Ms Kate is a proud Yinzer (Pittsburgher) and graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Her pre-parenthood work was spent at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which was great fun. Then, as life would have it, everything changed all at once--her husband got a job here in DC and they became parents and Ms Kate said good-bye to the Post-Gazette and hello to full-time motherhood. Her foray into hanging out with a classroom full of kids began when her son, then 3, started preschool at Silver Spring Nursery School (SSNS). She began co-oping twice a month and was immediately in awe of the teachers. They were so calm! They knew all the right things to say! Meanwhile, Ms Kate had a migraine by the end of her 3 hour co-op stint! But, she gradually got better and co-oping became a real source of joy and discovery.

Ms Kate considered it a privilege to spend hours with ones children in their classroom--getting to know their teachers, their friends, the other parents... She was all in and wanted more! So, since 2016, Ms Kate have been a teacher's aide--first at one preschool, then at SSNS when a spot as the 4s aide opened up. She felt the luckiest--working in a preschool with an amazing community, supported by teachers deeply dedicated to their task of helping young children and their families learn and grow together…

“…And then came 2020! Of all the silver linings to this hardest of times, our brightest has been SOCS. I am grateful every day for SOCS staff and community. And just like co-oping at SSNS 7 years ago was a revelation, working here has been the same eye-opening experience. The teachers' dedication, skills, joy--it's inspiring, and it's been SO fun working with older kids. I can't tell you how much I enjoy a school day here.”

Ms Kate answered our questions in this super exciting interview!

Ms Kate, what is your favorite book? So hard! This is my top five (for the moment!): Calvin & Hobbes, No Ordinary Time, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, BlackSwan Green, A River Runs Through It, Hamlet. (And My Antonia, Chronicles of Narnia, Wrinkle in Time, Endurance, True Grit, The Kingdom and the Power, Mornings on Horseback—so many good books!)

Your favorite food? Bread and ice cream!

Ms Kate, what is your favorite color? I have two! Blue and green.

Are you a dog person or a cat person? Definitely dog person!

Ms Kate, is there anything about outdoor teaching that you did not expect? To have such excellent weather! Our fall was absolutely perfect! Of all the years to have outdoor learning, this one has been superb.

Is there anything you particularly love about SOCS? Watching the kids do their thing at recess! The energy, the noise, the running---I love it! I also love watching the teachers do their thing, whether it's Ms. Stephanie introduce theater warm-ups and tongue twisters or Ms. Annette singing some wacky songs to the Acorns…there are so many joyful moments I get to stumble upon throughout the day and I just cherish it.