With more than two decades of experience in education, Kate’s work centers on strengthening school communities by supporting the social, emotional, and mental well-being of students, educators, and families across west-central Illinois. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Education from Western Illinois University, with an emphasis on trauma-informed educational practices.
Kate currently serves as the Director of Social-Emotional Learning and Support at the Regional Office of Education #26. She is also an SEL Coach through the Area 3 SEL Hub, a Professional Learning Specialist for the ROE26/33 PD Consortium, and an adjunct instructor at Western Illinois University.
Her work is grounded in early childhood research, service delivery, and a deep commitment to family engagement and culturally responsive, relationship-centered practices. Kate provides training and coaching in social-emotional learning, trauma-responsive education, restorative practices, mindfulness, vicarious trauma, brain-based learning, classroom culture, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Currently, she supports the ROE26 LEAP program and partners with educators across 18 school districts to help create inclusive, supportive learning environments where students and adults can thrive.
