About Katie

CHRISTIAN.

I am an imperfect person saved by the redeeming grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our family attends Magnify Church, Rockford campus. My husband and I were involved in the children’s ministry at Magnify in 2015 and 2016. I’ve also attended Woman’s Bible Study groups regularly from 2019 to 2023. My life is a testament of the Lord’s faithfulness to me. He has given me far more than I deserve; the work of my hands comes from the thankfulness of my heart.

MOTHER.

I’m a mother to three active and fun kids and wife to my husband of ten years.  Our kids are 11, 9, and 6, and are the most well-behaved kids in Kent County (yeah, right!).  Truthfully, we are an imperfect family navigating this stressful period of life.  I can empathize with every parent who is simply trying to do the best for their children.  My children are sometimes a great stress, but always the best motivator.   I am beyond blessed to be a mother and to care for the well-being of these young lives.

PATRIOT.

I love my country.  I love its foundational principles and values.  Like our founders, I value liberty above safety and freewill above collectivistic mentalities.  Unfortunately, I believe our government has slowly become a hurdle to an individual’s pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.  However, there is always hope.  Many people have sacrificed and fought for this country, and I intend to honor them in my contributions.  A government’s main responsibility is to protect the right of WE THE PEOPLE, not infringe on those rights.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNER.

My husband and I own Cutting Edge Hardscapes, an outdoor hardscaping business, and also a small residential construction business.  I am a licensed builder in the State of Michigan.  I previously owned and operated Rockford Riddler, a riddle scavenger hunt business played in the City of Rockford, but have since suspended operations.  I have a good grasp on small business executive oversight and administration and empathize with many other business owners during this difficult last couple years.

HOMESCHOOL CO-OP FOUNDER AND LEADER.

Like many other parents, these past few years have been incredibly difficult navigating an often tumultuous educational system.  For my children’s sake, we could no longer be under that system.  In September of 2021, with the help of many courageous, hard-working, and action oriented parents, I started a homeschool co-op.  It was a huge learning curve, and full of many challenges.  The co-op has become a second family; I am so thankful for them!

EXPERIENCED AND EDUCATED.

I graduated in 2022 with an MBA, Finance concentration.  I also recently taught at Cornerstone University as an adjunct professor for an undergraduate government course.  My undergraduate degree is actually in Social Work, but, after working in the field for a couple years, I realized my mind desired more analytical challenge and stimulation.  I went back to school in chemistry, and, although I never finished my chemistry education, I have worked in chemical laboratories and data and safety compliance at Perrigo, Amway, and Steelcase from 2010 to 2019.  In 2019, I left the corporate world and focused more on my children and our small businesses.  I ran for Cannon Township Trustee in 2020 and Kent County Commission in 2022.  My commission committee assignments include Legislative and Human Resources (Jan 2023-present), Network 180 (Jan 2023-present), County/Township Liaison (Jan 2023-Dec 2023), Veteran’s Services (Jan 2024-present).  I’m also on the Michigan Association of Counties Finance and General Government Committee.

SMART AND INNOVATIVE.

I built this website myself, and every word is written by me.  I can also navigate my way through various coding languages, have built databases, and am proficient in data analytics and visualizations.  I am an unconventional and creative thinker, but also analytical and logical.  I graduated magna cum laude from my master’s program.