Katie went to the University of River Falls Wisconsin to earn her B.S. degree in field biology. She started out with jobs in the field doing research with macroinvertebrates, sediment testing, and water quality as well as working for the Minnesota Conservation Corps. Katie also helped do field reconnaissance and write Environmental Impact Statements for tribal communities. Katie has experience installing and maintaining rain gardens, removing invasive species, and working with great local organizations to research and inventory pollinators. Experience in a greenhouse later fueled her love for plants and turned into a love for herbalism and a set of foraging and wildcrafting skills.

After working as a paraprofessional at Natural Science Academy, she quickly realized her place in the educational community. Katie then went on to earn a special education degree and master’s in special education along with an Autism Spectrum Disorder license. She spent her first two years at UMA in high school and is excited to be joining the middle school team.

Katie also enjoys backpacking, camping, creating art, and taking care of her suburban homestead with her chickens, dog, cat, and amazing daughter.