Kathy is a self-proclaimed recovering journalist, a 5th generation Texan, a 4th generation Presbyterian, and a 3rd generation journalist. Born in Amarillo, she later attended college at the University of Missouri, earning a journalism degree. and worked for 11 years for a daily newspaper before entering nonprofit communications. 

She and her family moved from Houston to a small plot of land between Weir and Walburg in 1995 after her husband, Tim, was offered a job in fundraising at Southwestern University. All three sons graduated from Georgetown High School. She was a soccer parent, a Boy Scout leader (starting a Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop at FPC), and a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer. 

She is active in anti-racism and interfaith activities. She was among the wave of women who ran for office in 2018. Though unsuccessful, she continues to be involved in local politics. She and Tim co-founded Polaris Nonprofit Consulting, which assists nonprofits in fulfilling their missions.