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You know, I\u2019m just not one of those types of people who doesn\u2019t like people. Not there is anything wrong with not liking people, but it\u2019s just not for me. Honestly, I love to like people, and people like Katie O\u2019Farrell are the reason why.<\/span><\/p>\n

The fact is humans are inherently social, empathic creatures. It just happens to be that some of us are better at it than others. Compassion is a choice, not a compulsion. O\u2019Farrell understands this.<\/span><\/p>\n

Born in midwest, where she obtained her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan, O\u2019Farrell moved to Portland in 2003, just a few years before the growth spurt began in earnest. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI had trouble finding a job in Michigan and I really didn\u2019t like the environment,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having never been to Portland, O\u2019Farrell relied on the tried-and-true method of making huge decisions and getting solid information you can always rely on: The Internet. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was on a website called findyourspot.com,\u201d she deadpans. <\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, we all know sites that tell you everything from your political persuasion to whether you more resemble an orange than an apricot – based on a completely arbitrary set of questions – are all totally accurate and true. So, O\u2019Farrell took the plunge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPortland was number two and San Francisco was number one,\u201d she says. \u201cI came out here because\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no real point in finishing that quote. We all know why she chose Portland. It\u2019s the same reason people who already live in San Francisco choose Portland; a fact O\u2019Farrell has come to recognize in her dozen or so years in the Rose City. <\/span>Everyone is moving to Portland<\/span><\/a><\/span>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are certainly a lot more people here and housing prices have gone way up.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

She pauses, finishing with a short statement that succinctly puts a bow on her point. \u201cThe traffic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, despite the growing pains, O\u2019Farrell loves Portland and loves what she does. Our fair city is lucky to have her hear helping our residents through tough times.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a crisis counselor at a local urgent care facility that focuses on mental health, O\u2019Farrell spends her time helping people. \u201cI got into this work because I believe in the value of making a human connection,\u201d she says. \u201cThere\u2019s something really beautiful about someone opening up to you in ways that are really intimate.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

When she isn\u2019t helping people, O\u2019Farrell is emphasizing her empathy by helping animals. Recently, she adopted her first rescue dog, and has been watching as he blossoms in her care.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe was skeptical of love,\u201d she explains, \u201cbut it\u2019s been a rewarding experience watching him grow and trust people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

O\u2019Farrell\u2019s work with animals also extends beyond simple adoption. She actively supports (and hopes you will, too) the Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are run by amazing people who give pet food to people who can\u2019t afford it,\u201d she says. \u201cThey also help with veterinary care for people who need the help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So, put that on your Christmas list folks: Donations to the Pongo Pet Food Bank Fund. <\/span><\/p>\n

Isn\u2019t Portland just fantastic?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel very safe and comfortable here,\u201d O\u2019Farrell says without hesitation.<\/span><\/p>\n

We agree, and it helps to have <\/span>PDX People<\/span><\/a> like her out there providing a healthy dose of empathy and compassion in world that needs far more of both.<\/span><\/p>\n

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William Bessette<\/strong> \u2013 PDX People Contributor<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>William Bessette is a published author, poet and longtime journalist who has been covering politics, entertainment, culture and travel for over twelve years. He currently works from his home in the Pacific Northwest profiling restaurants, reviewing local plays and reporting on regional, national and international travel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Follow William on: <\/strong> Facebook<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u00a0, Twitter<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u00a0 Connect with William on:<\/strong> LinkedIn<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/p>\n

 
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