When it comes to accurately assessing an injured or disabled client’s long-term care needs, Certified Life Care Planner Kristy Easley, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, CLCP, and her case manager partner, Tabitha Freeman, bring the medical expertise and advisory support necessary to build a strong case.
As members of the life care planning division at IMS Legal Strategies, Kristy works closely with attorneys and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive, evidence-based life care plans for both plaintiff and defense teams, while Tabitha ensures seamless organization and case coordination throughout the process. Together, they provide clarity, confidence, and impactful insights that help strengthen your strategies and secure clients’ futures.
Get to know these dedicated colleagues below and learn what drives them to make a difference.
Kristy Easley, Certified Life Care Planner
Q: How did you get into this industry and find IMS?
A: I am a certified life care planner, speech-language pathologist, and certified brain injury specialist who worked as a clinician in neurorehabilitation for many years. A decade ago, I met Amy MacKenzie through our shared passion for improving the quality of life for individuals and families affected by brain injuries. Together, we organized and co-facilitated a local brain injury support group and developed a close friendship. During this time, Amy introduced me to life care planning and encouraged me to pursue certification and join her growing life care planning firm.
After a few years with MacKenzie Life Care Planning, IMS Legal Strategies offered our firm an exciting opportunity to join their organization and expand our reach to help clients with traumatic brain injuries and other life-changing injuries.
Q: What do you like most about your specific role?
A: The culture and values we have cultivated are unlike any other work environment I have experienced. Our team works as a cohesive unit, supporting, encouraging, and celebrating one another. We are excited to be part of a larger value-driven organization and bring our “mojo” to legal professionals and clients across the IMS community.
In terms of life care planning, I really enjoy the critical thinking involved in piecing together all the elements needed to create a comprehensive care roadmap for injured individuals. It i’s fulfilling to help provide a clear picture of future care needs so individuals can better plan for their recovery journey.
Q: What special strengths and unique skills do you offer clients and colleagues?
A: My background as a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurorehabilitation across pediatric to geriatric populations allows me to collaborate closely with physicians to assess future care needs. As a rehabilitation specialist, I bring an in-depth understanding of various levels of care, appropriate coding for care recommendations, and a realistic perspective on lifetime support requirements in certain cases. This expertise helps me evaluate recommendations and contributes to discussions about the reasonableness of care suggestions, grounded in real-world experience.
Q: Would you like to share any stories, memories, or accomplishments?
A: Taking a “leap of faith” to embark on a new chapter in my career has been incredibly rewarding. Learning new skills and engaging with different professions is energizing, and I am deeply grateful for the excellent mentorship I have received along the way. Completing the life care planning certification program and earning my CLCP credential is a professional milestone of which I am very proud.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: Several of my cases have involved individuals experiencing ongoing symptoms after a mild traumatic brain injury, who had never been properly educated about the nature of their symptoms. Listening to their stories, validating their concerns, and offering hope by discussing available treatments and support systems has been deeply rewarding. Helping others feel understood is a privilege I truly value.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS offers a wide variety of litigation consulting services, creating a huge bank of resources for nearly any situation. I’ am eager to collaborate with others within the IMS network to further enhance the life care plans I develop and provide even more comprehensive solutions for our clients.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: As more people come to understand the value and scope of our work in legal cases and personal planning, the demand for qualified life care planners will grow. This will likely drive efforts to recruit specialized healthcare professionals to help manage the increasing need for customized life care plans.
Tabitha Freeman, Case Manager
Q: How did you get into this industry and find IMS?
A: I was eager to find an opportunity that would allow me to enhance my case management skills while becoming part of a supportive and collaborative life care planning team. I found all of this with MacKenzie Life Care Planning, and I am thrilled to grow further now that we have joined IMS.
Q: What do you like most about your specific role?
A: As a case manager supporting a life care planning expert, I have the unique opportunity to oversee the entire process from start to finish. I take great pride in understanding all the impactful ways we support clients and make a difference in people’s lives.
Q: What special strengths and unique skills do you offer clients and colleagues?
A: I hold myself to high moral and ethical standards, striving to be a positive role model for those around me. I am always looking for thoughtful and efficient ways to contribute to the growth and success of our team, which ultimately leads to exceptional client service.
Q: Would you like to share any stories, memories, or accomplishments?
A: One of my greatest accomplishments was creating my initial role at MacKenzie (case management support) from scratch and working hard to transform it into an established position. Seeing the impact of my efforts within the company and the people we serve has been incredibly fulfilling.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: My favorite case was not memorable for the circumstances but rather for the opportunity it provided to learn, connect, and support the wife of a man involved in a tragic car accident. An 18-wheeler had pulled out in front of him, blocking traffic lanes and causing catastrophic damage to his vehicle. Being there for his wife was an honor and a powerful reminder of the profound love and care that people can show one another during times of adversity.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS distinguishes itself through its comprehensive service offerings, expertise, and approach. The organization’s commitment to truly understanding clients’ needs, combined with its broad range of services, ensures exceptional support and promotes the best outcomes.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: I believe the life care planning industry will experience significant growth as we continue to focus on enhancing the well-being and support of individuals in need. The demand for comprehensive and compassionate care planning is only increasing, and IMS is well-positioned to lead the way.
Learn More
IMS is honored to have Kristy Easley and Tabitha Freeman on our life care planning team, as well as all of their incredible colleagues from MacKenzie Life Care Planning. Together, we will continue to stay ahead of our clients’ needs and support their most complex case challenges. Together, we win.
Visit the links below to meet the IMS team and learn about our culture and career opportunities.
