Meet Katherine

Katherine Krupka

Executive Director

At EMPA, I wear a lot of hats—some practical, some metaphorical, and a few probably made of crystals. I steer the association’s strategic direction, develop the Safe Practice Certificate Course, and create training and resources to help our members build safe, successful practices. I also host events with top healers, authors, and course leaders, answer member questions, and forge partnerships to keep EMPA at the forefront of industry knowledge. In short? I make sure our members have the tools, support, and community they need—without having to learn the hard way.

Before stepping into this role, I was (and still am) an energy healer and coach. When I started out, there was no go-to place for guidance or professional support. Now, EMPA is the largest gathering of energy and holistic professionals, spanning hundreds of modalities. We’re not just an association—we’re shaping the future of this field. I love learning, I love sharing knowledge, and I love knowing that what we create here has a ripple effect, reaching thousands of practitioners who then impact countless lives.

Katherine just ordained as interfaith minister seminary completion

I’ve had an interesting journey—geographically and otherwise. I grew up in Chicago and Texas, lived in NYC, DC, and Puerto Rico, and now call North Carolina home. But the real adventure? That happened while working across Russia, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, and Eastern Africa, gathering stories, insights, and a few questionable snacks along the way.

My travels have also taken me deep into the world’s healing traditions—from studying with indigenous healers in Peru to immersing in ashram life in India and being ordained through an interfaith seminary. Along the way, I’ve explored meditation, consciousness research, and the science of human potential—(yes, I’m the person who considers reading neuroscience papers a fun Saturday night).

Katherine with new alpaca friend while studying healing with the Q’ero people in Peru

When I’m not working, you’ll find me traveling, hiking, playing with ideas, or deep in a rabbit hole of something fascinating. My passion? Helping people expand their awareness, trust their wisdom, and create extraordinary, deeply fulfilling, and (dare I say?) magical lives.

Katherine eating from a leaf while living at an ashram in Southern India and studying yoga and ayurveda

Katherine's favorite quote:

“We’re all just walking each other home.”

~Ram Das