About Me

Kate (she|her|hers) taught and coached across the United States of America in Illinois, Virginia, Massachusetts, and California before returning to Davis.  She started her career at UC Davis as an advisor in the Honors Program prior to becoming (interim) Associate Director of First-Year Seminars and then Director of the Honors Program.  Before starting her professional career in higher education as an academic coordinator at the University of Virginia she was a public school history teacher and swim coach.  She also spent time as a tutor in public high school AVID programs, an instructional aide for English Language Learners, a tutor for Literacy Volunteers, and a coordinator for AIM High which is an after school college access program on the South Side of Chicago that serves low income high school students aspiring to be the first in their family to attend college. 

Hometowns

Mountain Brook, AL

Davis, CA

Education

B.A., History, Northwestern University (2011)

M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction, the University of Virginia (2013)

How I Work With Students

I am an educator because I believe that every child should have the right to a K-16 education.  As an advisor, my work is grounded in the ideas of differentiated instruction, growth mindset, and humanism -  everyone can learn if supported in their individualism and given the opportunity to grow through both failures and successes.  As a higher education leader, the foundation for my work is the belief that every student deserves to be heard, seen, and challenged to grow in their individual identity while learning how they can be an active contributor to society.  Foundational to that work is upholding the right to freedom of expression for all of our students, faculty, and staff.  I define "Honors Education" as promoting intellectual humility, academic curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.   

Fun Facts About Me

Away from work I enjoy reading, open water swimming, and cooking.  Most days you can find me at the pool, walking with my dog, and in the kitchen.  I also have a passion for swim instruction.  Since childhood I have taught swim lessons and volunteered with organizations such as USA Swimming's Make a Splash Program to expand access to swim instruction across America.  Lastly, on election day you can find me serving as an election officer as I find great joy in helping people practice their democratic right to vote.