Catherine and her husband, Tony, spent their first seventeen years of marriage in North Carolina. They recently moved to Tony’s hometown, the town of Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 2022.
Catherine grew up in Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology from Cornerstone University. While she was a student, Catherine also earned her Naturalist Certification from Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies in Northern Michigan. Catherine’s undergraduate research focused on the use of a biological control for the management of Eurasian watermilfoil in lakes. She also practiced salmon habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest as she worked for A Rocha, an international conservation organization.
Catherine went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Water Resources Management from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment. During this time, Catherine also earned her GIS Certification from Duke University. Catherine’s graduate research focused on a spatial analysis study of the impacts of mountaintop coal mining on downstream water quality.
While living in North Carolina, Catherine worked as an environmental consultant where she was involved in a wide array of environmental management projects. She developed a prioritization scheme to be used by city planning for the selection of stream and wetland restoration sites for mitigation purposes, she served as lead botanist for teams tasked with surveying wetland sites all along the southeast coast, she surveyed stream restoration projects assessing their physical and biological characteristics, she utilized remotely sensed imagery to study the impacts of deforestation on stream systems, and assisted in the development of stormwater management plans for urban areas.
Catherine homeschooled her three children while living in North Carolina and continues to homeschool her son. While homeschooling, Catherine has led nature study for the various homeschool co-ops in which she and her children have been involved. In Ohio, Catherine is also aiding in research for the Central Ohio Owl Project. In addition, she serves as a director of the Logan County Land Trust where she performs GIS related tasks and mapmaking, works with a team of directors and teachers to lead a local environmental science club, creates environmental education opportunities for youth and adults in the community, and works to acquire conservation and agricultural easements for interested property owners in the pursuit of land preservation.
Catherine enjoys being outside kayaking, biking, running, hiking, backpacking, birding, gardening, and exploring nature with her family.