Katie is a licensed social worker who is passionate about youth development, educational and economic equity, and enhancing systems that build resilient, relationship-focused and successful communities. She comes to Achieve with years of direct service and program management in a wide array of youth-focused settings.

From Chicago to Washington D.C. to Boston, Katie has experience in facilitating youth programming in and out of schools, curriculum development, volunteer management and social-emotional learning. She has supported youth in exploring their passions regardless of what direction they ended up choosing, and is passionate about continuing this work with Achieve at Harding High School..

Katie has also served as a court-appointed special advocate volunteer in Iowa, spent two years with Lutheran Volunteer Corps, and studied peace/dialogue and international politics at the University of Oslo's International Summer School in Norway.

Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Luther College (Go Norse!) and holds a M.S.W. and Ed.M in educational leadership and policy from Boston University. Her education, travels, and volunteer experience has informed her belief in the interconnectedness in all things and her strong commitment to equity and environmental preservation/sustainability. 

Originally from Bemidji, Katie is thrilled to be back in the midwest, enjoying proximity to her favorite place - Itasca State Park - and her many friends and family. In her free time you can find her singing and dancing, cooking and baking, tending to her 30+ houseplants or frolicking in the great outdoors.