My Story
First-generation educator
I’m Katie (they/them), a queer, first-generation college graduate who grew up in a rural, working-class community.
My journey has been shaped by navigating higher education as a first-gen student and by my deep belief that education and professional growth should be liberatory, accessible, and rooted in care.
Today, I bring these lived experiences into my work as an educator, advisor, and coach, where I partner with others to co-create opportunities for success, belonging, and transformation.
This site is a space to share my work, my philosophy, and the resources I’ve developed to support students, professionals, and organizations alike.
Snapshots of My Educational Journey
Coaching, Curriculum & Development Philosophy
My work is grounded in liberatory, equity-centered approaches that center dialogue, care, and agency. I believe learning happens through reflection, curiosity, and community, not one-way instruction. Whether I'm advising, coaching, or designing curriculum, I create spaces where people can question assumptions, tell their stories, and define success on their own terms.
Educational Background
2017 – 2019
San Francisco State University
Master of Arts in Education, Concentration: Adult Education
Graduated with a 3.96 GPA while focusing on equity, leadership, and instructional technologies. Designed a culminating thesis that developed a curriculum model for Resident Assistants to better serve transfer students. Highlights included SafeZone Ally certification pilot, participation on the Transfer Advisory Council, and contributions to the Academic Master Plan for student retention.
2009 – 2013
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Completed undergraduate studies with strong involvement in Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology and roles supporting Counseling and Psychological Services. Gained foundational skills in research, advising, and student development that informed later work in higher education and curriculum design.
Professional Experience
December 2024 - Present
San José State University
Senior Academic Advisor
Humanities & the Arts Student Success Center
Advises 2,500+ upper-division students through academic planning, case management, and retention-focused programming.
October 2021 - August 2024
Oracle
Pathways Program Coordinator
Global Diversity Recruiting Team
Led global inclusive recruiting initiatives through program coordination, inclusive job description strategy, and cross-functional training.
August 2020 - September 2021
Summit Public Schools
Concrete Next Steps (CNS) Teacher
Expeditions Team
Designed and taught senior-year curriculum focused on internships, independent study, and post-graduation planning. Coordinated community partnerships, student placements, and project-based learning, including fully remote instruction during the pandemic.
August 2020 - September 2021
Summit Public Schools
College Readiness Teacher and K2 + Denali Internship Learning Coordinator
Expeditions Team
Taught college readiness and coordinated internships and independent study opportunities for 170+ students through community partnerships and individualized support.
June 2019 - September 2019
California Northstate University
Assistant Registrar
Supported academic operations through student records, enrollment, degree audits, FERPA compliance, and cross-campus collaboration to improve processes and data integrity.
June 2018 - April 2019
San Francisco State University
Residential Coordinator
Resident Education, Residential Life, University Park South (UPS)
Managed a residential community of 250+ students, supervising Resident Assistants, supporting student success, and fostering belonging through restorative practices and community engagement.
July 2017 - July 2018
San Francisco State University
Area Coordinator
Resident Services, Residential Life
Led recruitment, hiring, and training for 125+ student staff while managing operations, emergency response, and cross-campus collaboration to support residential communities.
February 2017 - June 2017
San Francisco State University
Project Coordinator
Resident Education, Residential Life
Supported Residential Life initiatives through student success programming, data analysis, and cross-campus collaboration.
Giving Back with Intention
Community makes this work possible. That's why 10% of all Koho Curriculum proceeds are donated equally to Sogorea Te' Land Trust, The Trevor Project, and Color of Change.
