Announcements - Camp One Step

Welcoming Our Next Medical Director

Kristin Casey

In 2025, our Medical Director, Susie Burke, shared her intention to retire in August 2026. While we were saddened by the news, we fully supported Susie's decision and are deeply grateful for her many years of dedicated service to Camp One Step. True to her character, Susie played an instrumental role in the search process, ensuring we would find an outstanding individual to carry this important work forward.

Today, we are thrilled to announce that Kristin Casey will become our next Medical Director, officially joining the Camp One Step team on April 6, 2026.

Kristin brings an exceptional depth of experience to this role. For the past 22 years, she has served as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at American Family Children's Hospital (UW Health Kids) in Madison, Wisconsin, specializing in general oncology, neuro-oncology, and leading the Caring for Life Survivor Clinic. Kristin has a proven track record of leading interdisciplinary teams, developing innovative care programs, contributing to clinical trials, and championing patient advocacy.

Family happily building LEGO creations at Camp One Step. Engaging activities for children with cancer, fostering joy and connection.

Susie Burke shares these words about Kristin

“I first met Kristin when she volunteered at Camp One Step in the early 2000s, and I was immediately impressed by her knowledge, skill, and compassion. Over the past 20 years, she has earned the deep trust of patients, families, and colleagues through her exceptional care and leadership. As I transition the Medical Director role to Kristin, I do so with complete confidence in her leadership, clinical judgment, and commitment to excellence. I am genuinely excited for the future of the medical program under her direction.”

Get to know our new medical director

We asked Kristin a few questions so our community could get to know her before seeing her at camp this summer. We think you'll appreciate her as much as we already do.

What drew you to pediatric oncology?

"From the first time I worked with the pediatric oncology population as a student nurse, I was drawn to these tiny warriors. Pediatric oncology allows me to build deep, longitudinal relationships with children and families during moments of fear, hope, and resilience. Being a steady, trusted presence during that journey is a privilege. Children face cancer with a kind of courage that continually humbles me. Their ability to return to play, to school, to laughter — even in treatment — reinforces why this work matters. I look forward to continuing this important work in my new role as the Medical Director for Camp One Step."

Why did you choose to join Camp One Step?

"After spending my career caring for children with cancer and running our survivor clinic, I have seen firsthand how the journey extends far beyond the hospital. Camp One Step represents the other side of care — healing through joy, connection, and community. I'm drawn to being part of an organization that focuses on living fully. Camp One Step reflects the full arc of pediatric oncology care, and being part of this mission feels like a natural extension of my career and my heart. I look forward to working with you all!"

What do you hope to bring to the Camp One Step community?

Tell us a little about your life outside of work.

"I live in SW Wisconsin with my amazing, supportive husband of nearly 20 years, and I am a mom to two beautiful, sporty, and busy teen girls. The star of our family is our yellow lab, Waylon. In my free time, which is quite the commodity these days, I spend most of my time on a field or court watching my girls play sports. I enjoy hiking with Waylon, skiing, and getting to the beach whenever I can, because nothing beats a good beach sunset. I also enjoy reading, making recipes my teens send me in reels that go way too fast to follow, and spending time with family and friends."

A fun fact about yourself?

Please join us in giving Kristin the warmest Camp One Step welcome.

We are incredibly excited for our community to get to know her, and we are confident she will bring the same compassion, expertise, and dedication to Camp One Step that has defined her remarkable career.