Kate started working with Step Up at Hope in 2019. In early 2023, Kate became the director of CASA and Step Up. As the CASA & Step Up director, Kate works with local, low-income, underrepresented elementary and middle school students to provide academic mentoring through a meaningful relationship with a Hope College tutor/mentor. Kate oversees the logistics, staff, operation, and budget for both programs, bringing continuity to the programs, economies of scale, but also balancing and growing the unique features of each program.

Education

• M.Ed., college student affairs leadership, Grand Valley State University, 2016
• B.A., Spanish, non-profit administration, and Latin American studies, Grand Valley State University, 2012

Professional Experience

Prior to Hope, Kate worked in college admissions at Grace Christian University recruiting high school students. Kate also has worked in the counseling office at Grand Valley State University doing career counseling and resume reviews. Additionally, she has interned at Hope College’s Center for Leadership, Grand Rapids Community College’s honors program, and Grand Valley State University’s Honors College. Prior to her work in higher education, Kate participated in AmeriCorps and served two years in a local health center working with uninsured patients.

Why I Love Hope

Kate loves Hope because of its students. She loves seeing their passion for learning and justice and their dedication to growth. At Hope, you have the freedom to stretch the limits of what you believe you are capable of. Every day here provides an opportunity to challenge yourself, to learn something new, to grapple with provocative ideas or to build a new relationship. Hope is also where you can find some of kindest, most encouraging people in the world.

Outside the College

In her free time, Kate enjoys spending time with her kids and husband. She also enjoys reading in a hammock when the weather is nice.