Meet Katya Kuska

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Katya Kuska. Katya was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Shagufta Khan.

Katya , can you walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have wanted to be a social worker and work with the elderly population since I was in high school. When my husband’s aunt passed away we were able to be present with her and the family during her last days. Witnessing her end of life journey was an honor and solidified my decision to work in hospice. In 2013 I graduated from California State University Monterey Bay with my Masters in Social Work and started my career. In 2019 when my own father passed away, my profession posed a personal struggle. The depth of my grief was overwhelming and the physical pain I felt from this great loss was unimaginable. Somedays I worried that I would not be able to continue as a hospice social worker since my own grief was so deep. I knew that I had to utilize my own resources and support system to allow myself to navigate through my own grief. I did not want to get stuck in my sadness. I knew that if I did I would not be able to be present for my family and in my professional role as a hospice social worker. I found myself needing support and experiencing the loss of a loved one instead of being the one to provide the support.

I knew experiencing grief was normal and a reflection of the love you had for the person you lost. I also knew that navigating my grief was not something I could do alone. I leaned on people close to me and worked through my feelings, even if it was outside my comfort zone.

My dear friend Shagufta encouraged me to try a guided visualization therapy session. During this therapy session I was able identify different needs and strengths. I was also able to heal different parts of myself.

We’ve heard great things about your organization. For our readers who might not be as familiar, can you please tell them about the organization?
I have worked for Central Coast VNA and Hospice as a hospice medical social worker for the past 9 years. It is an honor and a privilege to be present and provide support to my patient’s and their families during their end of life journey. As a hospice social worker one of my biggest roles is to provide a safe space for my patient’s and their families to express their feelings and concerns during a very vulnerable time. Central Coast VNA and Hospice is a nonprofit hospice and home health agency. CCVNA provides patient centered care where the focus is on the individual patient and their needs. Hospice care focuses on the care, comfort, and quality of life of a person. Every end of life journey is unique and should be guided by the patient. I am incredibly proud to work for an agency that cares deeply for the community we serve. It is very rewarding to work for an agency that understands the importance of providing care that addresses each patient’s mind, body, and spirit. I feel very fortunate to work for an organization that supports and encourages their employees to do their best and provide exceptional care to our patients.

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Shagufta Khan and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Shagufta.
I have been so inspired watching Shagufta’s journey as an artist. Her pieces tell a story and you can see and feel the emotion in each piece. Her art reflects her own experience, perspective, beliefs and culture. Shagufta has used some of her own experiences and turned them into a beautiful piece of art that resonates with others. Shagufta has such a creative mind and sees beauty in everything. She has an ability to create something amazing from a blank canvas that tells a story and evokes emotion. Shagufta shares her passion and encourages you to find your own creativity.

One of my favorite pieces of Shagufta’s that I own is a piece that was identical to what I saw visually in my head after my first visual therapy session. My grief was so dark, deep and painful and this art piece reflected that back to me through its darker shades. But the lighter colors of the painting represent the love that my father and I shared, the love I receive from my family and friends that helped me through my grief. This piece reminds me of hope and love every time I look at it.

I have also had the opportunity to do meditative art therapy sessions with Shagufta which have been incredible. The breathing exercises prior to starting to paint my own abstract expression of my inner self allowed me to be present and focus on what my body and mind were feeling. The session allowed me to explore my emotions and feelings
and use my creativity to find closure and healing.