Catherine earned her Master of Arts in Policy Studies from the University of Washington and has worked and volunteered in a variety of leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. When a family member was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, Catherine began studying and practicing mindfulness. A contemplative at heart, Catherine is now a certified mindfulness instructor through the Mindfulness Northwest Teacher Training Program (MTTP) with Mindfulness Northwest. As the mother of four grown children – one of whom lives with developmental disabilities – and a grandmother, Catherine continues to learn the value of pausing, taking a breath, and inviting quiet moments to reset and refresh the day. She is a Certified MSC Teacher, facilitates the Tuesday 7am (PT) Circle of Practice, and is in the certification process for teaching MBSR. Catherine also extends her love for children and families through her work as a Listening Mothers and Finding Calm facilitator for the Community of Mindful Families. Catherine's thoughtful awareness offers a supportive environment for participants to find a place of calm in the challenges of everyday life and to practice a kind openness - rather than judgment - toward themselves and others.