A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Stacey Kellogg

A Valpo Life in the Spotlight: Stacey Kellogg

Stacey Kellogg is a lover of good news, fresh air, writing, and local community, and she seamlessly blends them together in both her personal and professional life.

Kellogg grew up in Michigan City, where her love for the outdoors blossomed. Spending much of her childhood days outside, Kellogg developed a deep passion for her community and for quality time outdoors that followed her throughout her life.

After graduating from Marquette High School, she attended Purdue University West Lafayette and received a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing. Kellogg took this foundation and love of writing and paired it with her passion for good news and community, becoming the Regional Manager of Community Relations for La Porte Hospital, Porter Regional Hospital, and Starke Hospital.

“I like to think of myself as the purveyor of good news for our health system,” said Kellogg. “This role allows me to tell the good stories about healthcare and to inform patients about the services we offer and the experts in Northwest Indiana at all three of these hospitals.”

As the Regional Manager of Community Relations, Kellogg gets a close view of the quality of care offered in Northwest Indiana.

“I think there is a misconception that you have to go to Chicago or Indianapolis for your care. We have some amazing specialists across our health system. Our primary care providers are so well known for really being embedded in our community and being a part of our community, and that causes them to make them want to care for their patient as much as they would care for their family.”

She recognizes the importance of community relations not only for the success of the healthcare businesses but also for the citizens of our community. With a strong network of friends and family in the Region, Stacey Kellogg feels deeply committed to contributing to the health of Northwest Indiana.

“I care about the health of our community,” said Kellogg. “If I can do anything to help tell those stories and to connect our community with those services, I want to use whatever talents I have to help to do that.”

As an avid hiker and backpacker, Kellogg appreciates Indiana’s unique opportunities for outside recreation.

“I love Northwest Indiana. I think our natural resources are amazing. The access to the lakes and the dunes keeps me here,” said Kellogg. “We are truly a wonderful state for hiking and backpacking.”

Kellogg attributes much of her success and happiness to having strong influences throughout her life. She recognizes the role of some amazing teachers in grade school and high school for going above and beyond. For her writing, she draws influence from some of the world’s master storytellers, including Stephen King, John McPhee, and David Sedaris.

“I have a really great group of friends that I’ve known for over twenty years,” said Kellogg, “and they have really influenced me not only in terms of work ethic, but in terms of pursuing my dreams and my goals and having this attitude of being able to be me, fearlessly.”

Kellogg has also found great inspiration in Jennifer Pharr Davis, a professional hiker who once held the record for the fastest time for hiking the 2,181-mile Appalachian Trail, completing the hike in under 47 days.

“She has been a huge influence for me in terms of perseverance,” commented Kellogg. “I really look for her guidance whenever I feel stuck or when I feel like I need to push through.”

Kellogg has found happiness in Northwest Indiana, integrating her appreciation of the outdoors, her passion for writing, and her love of spreading good news into her everyday life.

For members of the Region, she has an important piece of advice.

“Go outside more, be kind, and take care of yourself so you can take care of others,” said Kellogg. “Find out how to get connected to your community and whatever inspires you. Go see something you haven’t seen, and go experience something you haven’t experienced before. I think you’ll discover some pretty great things about our community.”