One plus one equals five—at least it does for Katie Berghausen. Having grown up most of her life in Louisville, Katie has always loved the city’s vibrancy and surrounding communities. Two years ago, close friends encouraged her to move to Norton Commons, and it was the perfect fit. But life in NoCo is about to get even brighter as Katie anticipates her fiancé Rick and his children arriving. Ready to blend their lives and traditions into the heart of this community, summer can’t come soon enough. 

Katie and Rick’s journey began in Lexington during the summer of 2023 when their paths crossed while Katie was doing work at a local hospital. Rick, originally from Alaska, had moved to Lexington after chiropractic school. The more they got to know each other, the more they wanted to do life together. The couple got engaged this Christmas, and as Rick and the kids prepare to move at the end of the school year, Katie is planning for the transition from a household of one to a family of five. 

Rick has taken a position as the lead Chiropractor with Louisville Chiropractic, bringing his compassionate nature and patient-centered approach to the East End. Helping people get back to 100% to live their best lives is something he is truly passionate about. Between working, commuting from Lexington, and being a full-time dad, Rick has been renovating Katie’s primary bathroom—a talent she didn’t know he had. And with summer on the horizon, Katie is making sure her home becomes their home. 

Rick’s children each bring their own flair to the family dynamic. Zoey (15), a high school sophomore, is passionate about agriculture and equine science. She has already made her mark at the State Fair, showing her first sheep and placing in multiple divisions, and she’s excited to get involved in FFA, 4-H, or other equine-related activities in Louisville. Archor (13) is in 8th grade and loves sports including football, baseball, and archery. An active Boy Scout, he’s always working toward his next badge to advance his rank. The social butterfly of the family is Skarlit (11), an active 6th grader who loves running, cross country, playing her flute, and is always eager to make friends and spread joy. 

When the family moves in, they’ll not only join Katie, but also Leo, a five-year-old Twoodle (Goldendoodle/Schnoodle) that Katie got after returning from a tour in Afghanistan as an OR nurse for the Army. Leo is a trained therapy dog with a silly personality. He’ll certainly make the family’s transition to NoCo fun, serving up unlimited couch cuddles and shenanigans. 

Rick and his children already feel a part of the neighborhood, regularly joining in on community events and activities over the last two years. “There are so many fun memories in this neighborhood” Katie shares. “The best part is the community feel, and that the kids have quickly developed friendships even though they’re not here.” Shopping at the Farmers’ Market and dancing at the amphitheater concerts are favorites among the kids. Rick and Katie enjoy the Poker Run, Art Fair, and Bourbon Festival, as well as not having to leave the neighborhood for a date night knowing the kids can still have fun with their friends right here. The family also shares their faith and is excited to make Northeast Christian their new church home.

If there are bumps in the road, Katie has the training and compassion to navigate. As a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and owner of Awen Health & Wellness, she has built a practice where patients feel heard and supported. Her team of Psych Nurse Practitioners and Therapists unite in their mission to make mental health care accessible and personal. Through medication management, therapy, and alternative services treating depression, anxiety, sleep issues, and overall stress management—and visits from Leo—Katie and her team walk with their patients through their mental health journey. 

Influenced by her mother and grandmother, Katie’s upbringing cultivated her desire to give back. Her mother opened Hildegard House, the only compassionate care home in the city for individuals approaching the end of life. Similarly, her grandmother spent years serving the Ursaline Sisters through the creation of Bargain Barn, where Katie spent hours as a child meeting volunteers, sorting boxes, and learning that community is essential to our wellbeing. She shares, “What I realized is that real impact doesn’t require grand gestures—often it’s the quiet, everyday actions that strengthen a community. I’ve seen small gestures here on a daily basis that truly make me thankful to live in a community like Norton Commons”. 

Over the last year, Katie, Rick, and the kids have traveled together, bonding and creating new family memories along the way. In August they travelled to Alaska for Rick’s cousin’s wedding, viewed glaciers from a boat, and went dog sledding and whitewater rafting. Thanksgiving brought a visit to Tucson to see Katie’s siblings, nieces, and nephews. There they went to Tombstone, rode horses, and spent lots of time in the pool and playing games. Each Christmas season, it is tradition for Rick and his children to visit Gatlinburg to pick out ornaments and enjoy the festivities. “Each child gets to pick out one activity to enjoy with the family. This year it included mountain coaster, family photos at Old Time Photo, Moonshine Tasting and new cowboy boots at The Boot Store. The trip always includes fudge, and the light show Saturday night on the Island. A fun family tradition that I was able to participate in this year!”

Eager to enter this new phase, Katie and Rick are creating a home where laughter, support, service, and adventure are part of the daily rhythm. When school ends, the move is complete, and they become one household, there will be more memories to be made…as a family, and with neighbors and new friends.