Kristy High shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kristy, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are dedicated to grounding myself. I usually start with a walk to get my body moving and clear my mind. After that, I spend quiet time reading scripture and reflecting with God, which helps me center my thoughts and intentions. And of course, I always enjoy a good cup of coffee to fuel me for the day ahead. That combination of movement, faith, and a little ritual is what sets the tone for how I show up in the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kristy High, and I’m a children’s book author as well as a healthcare professional at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. In both roles, my passion is supporting children and families—whether that’s through promoting health and literacy in the clinic or creating stories that make complex topics accessible and engaging for kids. My books focus on health themes for children, encouraging both education and connection. I manage the Reach Out and Read and the Imagination Library programs in my area, promoting early childhood literacy. What makes my work unique is that it bridges healthcare, education, and relational health—helping families not only understand important issues but also build stronger bonds in the process. I’m working on expanding my reach in communities across the US and internationally! I am continuing to create resources that empower families through both education and joy.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that really shaped how I see the world was when I realized how powerful connection and communication are in a child’s early life. Working in healthcare and writing children’s books, I’ve seen how even the smallest interactions—reading a story, offering encouragement, or being present during a tough moment-can change the trajectory of a child’s confidence and development. It taught me that impact doesn’t always come from big, dramatic actions, but from consistent, intentional moments of showing up for others. That perspective has shaped not only my work but also how I try to live every day.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: ‘You don’t have to carry everything on your own. Trust that your voice, your feelings, and your gifts matter and that the right people and opportunities will find you. Be gentle with yourself, because you are already enough, just as you are.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what really matters to me is making a difference in people’s lives—especially children and families. They’d tell you I care deeply about connection, faith, and showing up with consistency and love. Whether it’s through my work at the hospital, my writing, or just being present as a friend, they know I value creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and encouraged.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I lived with purpose and dedicated my life to making a meaningful impact through healthcare, writing, literacy, and advocacy for children and families. That I used my gifts and my voice to inspire learning, strengthen communities, and create spaces where people felt seen, valued, and supported. Most of all, I hope they say I led with integrity and faith, loved deeply, and helped others believe in their own potential while leaving the world a little better than I found it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristyhigh.com
- Instagram: @kristyjhigh
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-high-m-ed-03428287/
- Facebook: Kristy High
- Youtube: @kristyhigh7431
