Senior Leader at Health Literacy Media and the Patient Engagement Lab
A Dual Role, One Mission
Christina Goalby brings a rare blend of experience, passion, and vision to her roles at both Health Literacy Media (HLM) in St. Louis and Dr. Amy Waterman’s Patient Engagement (PE) Lab at Houston Methodist Hospital. In both institutions, Christina leads efforts focused on kidney transplant and living donation education and research. With a career spanning three decades, she has dedicated herself to improving the way individuals and families navigate the complex journey of kidney disease and transplant decision-making.
A 17-Year Journey with Dr. Waterman
Christina’s partnership with Dr. Amy Waterman began in 2007, when they were introduced by a beloved mutual colleague, Bob Whitlock, then CEO of the Missouri Kidney Program. They met at a Heartland Kidney Network meeting in Kansas City—Amy representing Washington University School of Medicine and Christina working with DaVita. Just a year later, Christina officially joined Amy’s team, and since then, the two have remained collaborators and champions of transplant education. “The rest is history,” Christina says, reflecting on a professional relationship that has spanned over 17 years and countless groundbreaking projects.
A Passion for Informed Decision-Making
For Christina, the work is deeply personal. “For the past 30 years I’ve shared a passion and commitment for working with those affected by kidney disease,” she shares. Her mission—then and now—is to ensure that every patient has the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about dialysis, transplant, and living donation. Whether developing educational materials, guiding community outreach, or supporting research initiatives, Christina’s work is driven by the belief that education can save lives—and that a world with enough kidneys for all who need them is possible.
A Leader in Education, Dissemination, and Research
Within the PE Lab, Christina plays a key leadership role in developing, refining, and spreading educational materials related to transplant and living donation. She also helps guide the Lab’s research strategy and implementation, ensuring that every project aligns with the needs of real patients and families. As the Lab transitions into a formal Center, Christina sees her role continuing to evolve—bringing decades of field expertise to support the Lab’s expanding impact across hospitals, communities, and national networks.
What Makes the PE Lab Special
Even after nearly two decades of working together, Christina is continually inspired by the PE Lab’s energy and innovation. “The impact our research has—and the difference it makes in transplant and living donation—is like no other,” she says. “Amy and her team are true trailblazers.” It’s this sense of purpose, partnership, and progress that keeps Christina motivated year after year.
St. Louis Roots and Family First
Outside of work, Christina enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones. She lives in St. Louis with her two teenage daughters (17 and 18), her partner Steve, and a tight-knit extended family—all nearby, except for her twin brother who lives in Florida. Whether attending her daughters’ events or simply gathering with family, Christina finds joy and grounding in those closest to her.
A Vision for the Future of Transplant
Christina hopes the PE Lab will continue to play a pivotal role in reshaping transplant access and education. She envisions a future where more people understand the value and possibility of living donation—and where organ failure no longer means the end of hope. Through patient-centered education, community engagement, and research innovation, Christina believes the Lab can drive a meaningful culture shift in how we think about and approach kidney health.
Her Advice to Future Collaborators?
“The PE Lab is a very special place, staffed by a passionate team committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by organ failure.”
If you’re someone who shares a passion for health equity, education, and ending the organ shortage through living donation, “this Lab could be a good fit for you.”
From the dialysis unit to national networks, Christina Goalby’s legacy is one of compassion, clarity, and unwavering commitment. Her work at the PE Lab is not just a continuation of that legacy—it’s helping to build the next chapter.