My name is Dr. Kathleen “Dr. Kat” Wiggins. I am originally from Louisiana, so I love good Creole food. The following is just a little bit about me.

I received my AA degree in Nursing (RN) from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles. I received my bachelor’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in health service administration from Cal State Dominguez Hills. My MBA is from the University of Phoenix with an emphasis in Health Care Management. I also received my master’s degree in Gerontology/Aging Services Management and Social Work from the University of Southern California. I completed my Doctoral degree in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix. My dissertation study was Facility Administrators’ Assessment of Quality of Long-Term Care in Southern California Facilities: A Qualitative Study. My study was to find the most effective strategies to utilize limited resources and ultimately improve the quality of eldercare.

My professional experience includes a significant tenure as a state employee with the Department of Social Services – Community Care Licensing Division in Woodland Hills and Riverside, California. In this role, I oversaw Assisted Living and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and Adult Residential Facilities, ensuring their compliance with the regulations and guidelines set by the DSS. I also served as a Program Supervisor with the Department of Aging and Adult Services, Long-Term Care Ombudsman.