Ambassadors of Excellence: Katie Megregian

By Joey Swafford, Public Affairs
At the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System, healing isn’t limited to exam rooms and lab results. For many Veterans, true wellness comes through rediscovery of purpose, connection, and joy.
That’s the kind of healing Katie Megregian, a recreation therapist at our North Charleston Clinic, works toward every day.
Katie leads the outpatient recreation therapy program, offering Veterans a wide range of activities that support physical, mental, and social well-being. From yoga, Tai Chi, and exercise classes to art, adaptive sports, and community outings, her programming gives Veterans structure, confidence, and often, breakthrough moments.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to those who served our country,” Katie said. “Helping Veterans feel happier, more comfortable, and able to enjoy life again, that’s what drives me.”
Katie’s passion is evident in everything she does. The program she now leads didn’t exist when she joined Ralph H. Johnson VAHCS two years ago. Since then, she has built it from the ground up. That work has made a lasting impact, not just through recognition, but in the lives of the Veterans she serves. Several have lost weight, rediscovered hobbies, reconnected with loved ones, and found new ways to manage stress and improve their quality of life.
“Katie was most courteous and helpful,” one Veteran said. “Katie’s painting classes ignited a lost art within me.” Another shared, “The relaxed atmosphere inspired me to draw again after six years.” One Veteran added, “I did not realize poetry was an outlet of therapy. Katie confirmed and encouraged me to continue to channel these thoughts on paper.”
Katie believes recreation therapy works because it’s built on connection and presence. “If Veterans don’t leave my classroom feeling better about themselves, even if it’s just a smile then I feel like I’ve failed them that day,” she said. “Sometimes that smile, or even talking to another person for the first time that week, is the first step toward healing.”
Her classes have become a safe space where Veterans feel seen and valued. They show up early, support each other, and form meaningful relationships. One day, a Veteran handed out surveys to classmates about the program, collecting feedback on Katie’s work. It was a surprise and a moment that reminded her just how engaged and appreciative her patients are.
Katie also leads our Lowcountry Veterans as the coach of the Palmetto Patriots, every year when they compete at the National Golden Age Games.
When she learned she had been selected as June’s Ambassador of Excellence, Katie was touched. “Being recognized by the Veterans themselves means everything to me,” she said. “And to have that followed by support from my peers and leadership, it just reinforces that what we’re doing matters.”
Now part of the Whole Health Department, Katie and her colleagues in North Charleston, Savannah, and Myrtle Beach continue to expand outpatient recreation therapy. Each site tailors’ activities to meet the unique needs of its Veterans while sharing the same mission: to treat the whole Veteran, body, mind, and spirit.
“I’m proud of every Veteran I work with. I love watching them grow,” Katie said. “This program is my heart. And I truly believe it’s changing lives.”