They met in 1997 at the Governor's Hurricane Conference through a mutual colleague, Ken Hart. Chuck was the founder and current director of the Green Cross Projects and Kat was a long-time disaster management expert interested in working with the Green Cross to provide mental health services.

They worked on various projects together with a shared professional interest in quality disaster mental health response to Florida citizens.  Kat became a dedicated volunteer with Green Cross Projects. Both were married and no interest in each other other than professional.

Her company, DTMI, worked with the Florida State University and the Green Cross Projects to help respond to several weather-related disasters. She eventually became a critical member of the Trauamtology Institute teaching staff.