Champion Commuter

Kathy Bailey, DSHS - DCS

Kathy Bailey is a Support Enforcement Officer 3 for DSHS – Division of Child Support. She’s also a true Commute Smart Champion who loves helping others. She lives in Deer Park and commutes 25 miles one way to work. Kathy began carpooling in 2018 with her husband, but after the pandemic began working full time from home.

Over the years, she has saved nearly 1,500 trips and over 70,000 miles. Kathy’s carpool journey restarted in January 2024. When she learned that a coworker lived in North Spokane, Kathy offered to pick her up on their office days. They have carpooled to and from work together every week since.

Kathy chooses to carpool because she enjoys giving a helping hand. Driving together removes the stress of the road for her passenger. This is especially helpful during difficult winter weather. She also truly loves the time they spend talking and visiting on their commute.

ETC, Shannon Cushner, states, “Whenever obstacles pop up, Kathy and her rider work together to beat them. They both face schedule changes and conflicts from time to time. However, they always adjust their weekly plans to make sure they can keep sharing rides. They communicate clearly and stay flexible if someone needs to leave early or change days. Kathy’s kindness, flexibility, and dedication show exactly what it means to be a champion.”