Meet Louise Sattler

We were lucky to catch up with Louise Sattler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Louise, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
How did I find purpose? My personal and career journey has been just that- a journey and definitely not a direct linear path. I tend to be very curious, have a high drive to keep learning new things, and seem to never be satisfied with the “status quo”. But, I am steadfast in what my purpose in life is to be – to leave this world having given much more than I ever had taken. That is why I am always looking for opportunities to help others.

When I was younger I thought about becoming a doctor- a pediatrician to be exact. My purpose was to help children with developmental challenges – such as Autism. However, it wasn’t to be (darn that organic chemistry!) and I switched to psychology. I found my purpose when I chose to take sign language classes during college. Thus, instead of a medical doctor, I became a psychologist at the Delaware School for the Deaf. I learned that helping the children who were the most vulnerable was where I wanted to be during those early years of my work-life.

Fast forward, I switched again – my purpose in life had changed as I had met my hubby and we were raising two amazing kids. But, I wanted to be a mom who was present and not just a “homework and mealtime parent”. That may be okay for many, but it was not for me. Yet, this didn’t mean I would stop working or volunteering my time. What it meant was that I would work around my kid’s schedules and involve them in the process of volunteerism. Thus, showing them the value of giving more than taking.

Fast forward again… this time it was after 9-11 that I decided that vocationally I wanted to create something that would help bridge gaps between people who used sign language (Deaf or nonverbal, etc.) and first responders. So, I created products and workshop training to do just that. My intent was not to replace interpreters but to give our first responders a way to have quick access to communication during a disaster or emergency situation. By pivoting to this new career challenge doors opened for many personal and professional opportunities.

Over the years my career has veered from psychology to the world of content social media and then back to psychology again due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, I always kept my purpose – to do good and leave more than I would ever take.

While my friends and colleagues are readying for their retirement years, I keep wanting to do more – because I am curious, never want to stop learning, and can’t do the same thing every single day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hmm.. I feel like I answered much of this question in the prior response (LOL) but here I go… I am a consummate educator and a lifelong learner. People always wonder if I ever sleep (not much) and do I stop moving about (sometimes). But, most of all, I am a person who has a strong need to help people and make this world a better place- one child at a time.

My brand is LouiseSattler.com – I would like to think of it as a place where people can come to learn and laugh. I cover a multitude of interests based on my career and hobbies. I often write about special education, psychology, travel, and DIY projects (yes, I refinish furniture). I also have had another career in media – so there are tons of photos of me involved with red-carpet award ceremonies, film festivals, and conventions (especially for travel).

My company is Signing Families – and I am dedicated to matters of communication (sign language included) and safety. I also will be one of the keynote speakers at the 2023 World Autism Summit hosted by Autism Today. (worldautismsummit.org)

As far as what I love to do- be with my family, travel, take lots of photos, and be creative!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities and skills that helped me on my journey:

1. Organizational skills bode well – especially if you tend to stray off track due to ADHD, like myself.
2. I learned niche skills including American Sign Language (ASL)
3. Travel to keep your brain stimulated and see the world through the lens of others from different cultures.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
The book, DIBS, by Virginia Axline about play therapy with a boy with Autism. It was the first book that sparked my curiosity with working with people on the spectrum. I consider it a catalyst for my carer.

I believe that everyone will find a spark to help guide them – you just need to be open to receiving it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All images are my own.

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