Sister Kathleen Natwin, Provincial Councillor for health care ministries within the Ascension Health System, sponsored in part by the Daughters of Charity, grew up in Bayonne, New Jersey. After having been taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia for twelve years, she then went on to study nursing at St. Joseph’s College, Emmitsburg, MD. "I learned about the Daughters by learning about St. Catherine Laboure, who I selected as my patron saint when I was in grammar school. But I really met the Daughters when I went to St. Joseph’s. I was attracted to them by observing the balance they held between the service of the poor and the spiritual life. They were happy in their ministry and reflected that to me. I also saw their dedication to prayer, for we shared the same chapel on campus." After graduation, Sister Kathleen worked for a year as a nurse and decided to enter the community. Her family was less than enthusiastic about her decision.

Throughout her community life, Sister Kathleen has participated in many different roles in health care: as a head nurse, Director of ambulatory care services with oversight of outpatient departments and emergency rooms; as a hospital administrator and also as Vice President for Mission in several hospitals throughout the Ascension system. "One of my great joys was helping to found several neighborhood health centers in Boston in neighborhoods where medical services were not available. My work has often taken me into neighborhoods where I learned a lot about advocating for public funding projects and renewing communities." While at Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, Sister Kathleen used her background in the community to reach out to develop local medical practices. "This is where I learned a lot about people in rural settings."

Sister Kathleen loves to read, particularly history, biographies, and mysteries. She also loves to sing and shares her talents generously whenever called upon to "praise God with song."