Kate is currently an educator raising three young children after losing her husband to occupational cancer. She attributes participating in the Memorial Weekend small group sessions when her husband was honored as a deciding factor to complete her master’s degree in mental health counseling. Kate credits receiving a scholarship from the NFFF as the sole reason she can afford to pursue her degree.
As a single working mother, teacher, and graduate student, Kate spends her limited free time volunteering in the soup kitchen at church with her children. She also volunteers in the library at her children’s school.
Kate’s career goal is to become a counselor and work with first responders and their families. It is her hope to also return to the Memorial Weekend as a small group facilitator to help others as she was helped.
Battalion Chief Mains says, “Katie has a great work ethic and is well grounded. She has demonstrated passionate service to all she works alongside of or represents. She has been recognized as a gifted teacher and I have full faith and confidence that her qualities prove she is a deserving recipient.”
