Katie grew up on the Umatilla Indian Reservation and aboriginal lands in Eastern Oregon.  After attending community college and completing her two associates degrees – she went on to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Eastern Oregon University. Two weeks after having her son, Katie started her Master's degree in Healthcare Administration at OHSU and will graduate in June 2024. 

For the last 9 years she has dedicated her work to tribal communities with a lifetime of living in her culture. Mentorship has been a major guiding component for Katie in her pathway. Katie has found the joy in serving and helping students find their story, elevating their life in the many facets of education, and encouraging them to pursue excellence in whatever it is they pursue. 

Katie will continue being a conduit for tribal students on their pathway to college, careers and professions. Along with working at NNACoE, Katie loves serving on the Wallowa Homeland Board, volunteering for the Pendleton Round Up and Happy Canyon, and running Harris Sisters Co with her sisters. Katie spends her free time making traditional Plateau beadwork, gardening, fishing, hunting, spending time horseback and at rodeos, and getting her steps in with the stroller. She lives with her husband Jackson, their son Jasper.