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 in 2012, Catherine began studying and practicing mindfulness and 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 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.