Katherine has been a Permanency Specialist since 2018 and is a licensed graduate social worker in the state of MN. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Olaf College in Social Work with Family Studies, Race & Ethnic Studies, and Women & Gender Studies concentrations and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Augsburg University. Before coming to Ampersand, she gained experience in different settings working with youth and families. She has also created culture-based curriculum for international post adoption support groups and spent time with members of the Minnesota House of Representatives as an intern. While in graduate school, she completed a clinical internship at a community mental health practice where she partnered with clients of all different generations.
Katherine enjoys being a part of the Ampersand Team, working with and supporting teens and families in their lifelong journey for permanency. Her favorite parts about working with older youth and teens is witnessing and supporting the unique personalities, interests, and growth during a formative period of their lives. As a transracial adoptee herself, Katherine values belonging, connection, & community. She believes everyone deserves a family regardless of age. She is committed to anti-racist and anti-ableist practices as well as uplifting LGBTQIA+ youth and families. She is proud to work at an organization that has a steadfast dedication to supporting young people in participating in the decisions being made about their lives and providing unconditional support before, during, and after a finalization.
When not working, you can find Katherine cooking or baking and grabbing boba tea from her favorite local spots. She also loves to hang her hammock in various MN parks and catch up on a good book. Katherine is also a steering committee member for Network of Politicized Adoptees where she helps advance adoptee justice through community power and collective work towards systemic change.
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The mission of Ampersand Families is to provide permanency and adoption services to older youth and families who face barriers to equity in child welfare, and to champion systemic changes that advance belonging, dignity and hope.
