Whether an endless ocean or a babbling brook, Katie has always been drawn to water. She grew up at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, kayaking, camping, and falling in love with nature. After completing a BSc in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria, Katie worked in ecology and environmental education with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and academic institutions. While managing biological monitoring programs, she developed a keen interest in ecosystem restoration processes and in drawing community groups and organizations together to work towards common goals.

Although most of her career has taken place in coastal British Columbia, diverse jobs have led her from the hills of Rwanda to the rainforests of Haida Gwaii, and finally to her current position as the Biomonitoring Assistant with Living Lakes Canada. Motivated by a strong sense of curiosity, Katie can often be found exploring ocean floors and mountain peaks around her home in Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation territory.