From the time Mikelle flew into Katherine’s life, she set her sights on the good life for Mikelle, which meant a regular education in the best schools Denver had to offer. The problem, those schools had never educated a student with a communication and mobility disability. Undaunted, Katherine helped the schools do what they had never done before, and Mikelle ended up graduating outstanding senior from Denver’s prestigious East High School.

Those early years were tough. It was before Medicaid waivers and insurance refused to cover Mikelle’s therapy and equipment needs. But, Mikelle never went without. Even though Katherine had little experience in fundraising, she successfully raised money for wheelchairs, communication devices, and therapy bills until Mikelle finally at the age of eleven was placed on Colorado’s Medicaid Waiver Program.

After graduation, Katherine supported Mikelle’s desire to move out on her own, helping her purchase her condo, start her own business, and build a vibrant community that shines beautifully. Katherine’s early vision for Mikelle came true, in part, because she and Mikelle believe if you are going to “doubt anything, doubt your limits.”

Currently, Katherine is the co-chair of Colorado’s innovative Employment First Advisory Partnership and currently serves on the Colorado State Rehabilitation Council as a representative of parents of individuals with disabilities.

Ms. Carol is a recognized subject matter expert by the US Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. She serves as a Director on the Board of the Washington Initiative for Supported Employment, a co-founder of Families on the Forefront of Technology and former organization consultant at the University of N. Colorado. Ms. Carol served as Chair of the Colorado Development Disabilities Council for two years and two terms.

Katherine is a frequent keynote speaker and conference presenter across the country.