Katie was born just outside of Richmond, Virginia. She likes to spend her time hiking, weightlifting, playing with her dog (Luna), and spending time with her family and friends. She was brought to western North Carolina after being recruited to play D1 soccer at Western Carolina University where she received a Bachelor in Science for Psychology with a minor in Health and Physical Education. Post undergrad, Katie worked in psychiatric residential treatment facilities and level III group homes with students ages 12 to 17 with various mental health and substance use diagnoses as a residential counselor and crisis manager for 5 years. This work inspired her to pursue her master’s in social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While working towards her MSW, she interned at an alternative high school, sat as an advocate in Drug Treatment court, led substance abuse intensive outpatient, and joined the local substance-free youth coalition. Upon finishing her master’s in social work, she received two licenses (Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist), and a Certification in School Social Work. Katie brings her expertise in addictions to helping students at Asheville Academy who struggle with technology addiction, as well as students who may have begun to experiment with substances. Katie has been at Asheville Academy since February 2019 and continues to enjoy her job as a Therapist and Clinical Supervisor helping individual students, families, and her coworkers.