Cathy is the founder of Step Up Northern Michigan, a local nonprofit that supports six school-based food and basic-needs pantries throughout the region. Food insecurity and lack of transportation create significant barriers for many students and families, often limiting students’ ability to reach their full potential. For more than a decade, Step Up Northern Michigan has partnered with Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition to provide fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and proteins to these pantries.
With over 30 years of experience in education, Cathy is a passionate advocate for young people navigating challenges—often through no fault of their own—on their path to adulthood. She brings a deep understanding of how schools function and how to thoughtfully navigate the relationships between students, teachers, parents, and the broader community.
Cathy and her husband, Sean, are the parents of six children and grandparents to two. In her free time, she enjoys playing (and watching) tennis, walking her dog, and spending time with family and friends.