My Background
About Me
I’m a Teacher
I’m a licensed teacher, classically trained in art and art history. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Art Education program of the University of Wisconsin, Stout, where I graduated with honors. I taught art at Our Lady of Peace School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from 2014 to 2018. I taught kindergarten at Thorp Catholic School in Thorp, Wisconsin, from 2018 to 2020.
I’m a Photographer
I started working as a professional photographer’s assistant in high school. I started taking on professional photography assignments of my own during college, and I continue to take occasional jobs as a portrait and product photographer. My photos are more than just snapshots. They tell the stories of the people at the heart of the schools and communities where I’ve worked.
I’m a Social Media Specialist
In addition to teaching, I put my professional photography skills to use and served as a social media specialist at the schools where I’ve taught. I used photos, videos, and graphics to share news and information, build enrollment, boost attendance, and ensure student, family, and alumni satisfaction.
I’m an Artist
I am a practicing artist. My entire home is an art studio. I paint, draw, and create mixed-media portraits and landscapes. I’m also enthusiastic about fiber arts — the timeless art of needlepoint, with a modern spin. I use embroidery to reproduce heirloom photos on vintage textiles. I also create contemporary wallhangings with freeform embroidery in impressionistic designs.
Recommendations
References
Mario Friedel, Principal To say that Katherine is a hard worker is an understatement. She fully created our school website before Thanksgiving break. In true Katherine style, its debut was announced with pizzazz. She had the whole school collaborate. Each child added their turkey handprint art alongside a pre-printed holiday poem and typed information about the new site. She attached the creations to almost two hundred bags at our local grocery store, spreading art, positivity, and great buzz for our school.
Jessica Syryczuk, Colleague Before Katherine, we struggled with social media. We didn’t have a website. We had multiple Facebook pages. Katherine unified our online image. Her photos are beautiful. As a parent to children at the school, I am always thrilled to see how she puts my child in the best light. Almost every time a parent makes a birthday post about their child you can bet there’s one of Katherine’s photos selected. Everything she creates is professional, polished, and thought out.
Stacy Syryczuk, Principal Katherine created, updated, and monitored our school and church website and the Thorp Catholic Facebook page. It was amazing to see her digital work. We went from having a very limited online resources to having a professional, beautiful web presence. She is confident, shares ideas with others, and professionally conducts herself when working with colleagues.