Katherine grew up in the Northeastern United States—hiking, skiing and camping with her family. In some ways, she followed in the footsteps of her parents, both educators. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Secondary Education at the University of Rhode Island and set out on a career in teaching math. Her passion for helping youth unlock their full potential through experiential education has carved out a unique professional journey.
Katherine started at the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center (the Met) in Providence, Rhode Island. At the Met school, in addition to teaching math, her responsibilities included assisting students with their service-learning internships and mentoring students in a personalized approach to education.
From there, she moved to the Swiss Alps where she lived and worked at an international boarding school for seven years. The community of the school was an international tapestry and gave Katherine insight into customs and cultures from around the world, as well as an opportunity to learn some conversational German. This experience also fostered bonds with her students outside of the classroom. The school had regular backpacking trips as well as ski excursions. These experiences created trust and respect among the school community and fed Katherine’s passion for experiencing the outdoors with youth.
After more than ten years of teaching high school math, Katherine moved to Bozeman, Montana, where she earned a B.S. in Mathematics Education from Montana State University in 2015. She remained a member of the Mathematical Sciences department to teach college courses full time. Katherine is excited to return to experiential learning with high school students this summer as the program director of VISIONS Alaska.
Recent Blog Posts
Spotlight: Tim Parsons, Former VISIONS Leader and Office Staff
Tim has led VISIONS programs all over the world – Mississippi, Australia, South Carolina, Dominica, Alaska, Montana Blackfeet Indian Reservation and Montana Northern Cheyenne. Today he uses the skills that he developed as a VISIONS team member to enhance his life and others’ around him.
Santos Ramos: The Patron Saint of VISIONS Dominican Republic
Meet Santos Ramos, our “Saint” of VISIONS Dominican Republic. Since 1991, Santos has been an integral part of VISIONS, dedicating his life to serving communities, building schools, and providing homes. Read on to discover his remarkable story and lasting impact.
The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering Abroad: Best Countries for Teenagers
As a teenager, volunteering abroad not only broadens your horizons but also leaves a lasting impact on the lives of others. We explore some of the best countries for teens to volunteer, and highlight some fantastic opportunities for high school students seeking summer volunteer programs.
Spotlight: Rosa Maria Espino, Community Partner
Meet Rosa Maria Espino, a devoted Community Partner in Cotui, Dominican Republic, whose love for her family and community shines through her work with VISIONS Service Adventures.