Arts advocacy.

While Kathy finds her onstage work truly gratifying, she is probably more proud of her work supporting and mentoring young singers through her position as President of Supporters of Opera Singers, Supporters of Opera Singers, Inc (SOS) is a 501 (c) 3 that was established in 1998 with the sole purpose of helping young singers advance their careers.  Over the years SOS has provided guidance 
and financial assistance to a variety of projects for Wisconsin based individuals and organizations. Kathy is supremely grateful to her fellow board members for their hard work and dedication. Together they have granted over $350,000 to young singers and the companies that work to promote them.

Kathy recently retired from her position as Director of the Metropolitan Opera National Council – Wisconsin District, after 20 years of service. During her tenure, Kathy grew the auditions to one of the most sought after Districts to compete in. Adapt at fundraising, the prize money during her leadership was routinely in access of $15,000, far surpassing any other district in the country. Kathy loved giving back to the organization that helped launch her career; she was a District and Regional award winner. 

Early in her career, Kathy served as the Education Consultant for the Opera Company of North Carolina during the building of their Educational Outreach and Young Artist Program. She was responsible for researching and designing programs for the community, and writing grants to secure funding. 

Education advocacy.

Along with the arts, Kathy is equally, if not more passionate about special education. As the mother of a child who did not fit the standard educational mold, Kathy and her husband immersed themselves in learning about the unique needs of children who had been given the label of profoundly gifted. In the process, they learned that being profoundly gifted is no gift. Rather, they found a constant misconception of the facts and issues facing this undeserved population of children. Advocacy turned into employment, when she accepted the job of operations manger at a small elementary school for gifted children. She subsequently joined the Board of Directors for the school as the Treasurer.

During her daughter's middle school years, Kathy scaled back her performance calendar so she could "homeschool" her child. Again, faced with misconceptions - this time about homeschooling - Kathy found herself advocating for a new group of learners. Along with helping educate her own child, she served as a consultant for many new homeschool families to provide guidance and a sounding board as others found their own paths. 

High School brought more changes, as her family made the decision to move to Utah so their daughter could attend an experiential high school. More learning and advocacy ensued for yet another brand of learners. While at Realms of Inquiry, Kathy spearheaded a the fundraising campaign that enabled the school to move to a new location. One thing she has learned throughout this whole process is that every child is deserving of an education that meets their needs.

Kathy also served as her daughter's school counselor during the college application process. She is happy to report that she did not screw up her kid! In fact, her daughter was accepted into every school she applied. The most important lesson she learned through the process is that it is not about checking the boxes, but letting your child follow his or her passions. Kathy is now offering her consulting services to other parents with unique, out of the box kids.