A high school English teacher, Kate's in-depth study of the art of the college essay began with fifteen years as Artist-in-Residence in the West Hartford Public Schools. She has interacted with hundreds of students and their writing. A passionate teacher, Kate loves guiding teens to their own unique writer's voice. She has taught high school workshops on Creative Nonfiction, Poetry, and Fiction.

​

In 2011, Kate authored and designed her own undergraduate major in Creative Nonfiction writing at Central Connecticut State University. This undertaking inspired her to found Art of the College Essay in 2013. 

 

In 2005 she was awarded the Hartford Courant's "Woman of Character Award" for her dedication to helping teens express themselves. Kate is also a singer-songwriter and was named Best Singer-Songwriter in Connecticut at the Connecticut Music Awards in 2013. She had the honor of serving as Connecticut's State Troubadour from 2016 - 2018.