Kate was appointed chaplain to Queen’s in 2013 after following an extremely non-linear path. As a teenager she worked four summers in the bush in Northwestern Ontario. She then studied Social Work and Sociology at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay where she specialized in youth corrections. Following university, she worked as a tree planter and home care provider while she travelled between Thunder Bay and Vancouver Island and then sojourned two summers to a territorial campground outside of Yellowknife.
Craving brighter winter skies, Kate returned to her hometown of Peterborough where she cobbled together a living in youth corrections, supporting adults with developmental delay who need a sign language environment, and providing case management for post-adoption reunions. Kate moved to Kingston in 2002 to attend Queen’s and attain a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Restorative Justice. She worked as a hospital chaplain, a bank custodian and a counsellor at the Canadian Hearing Society before achieving her dream of becoming a full-time prison chaplain.
She ministered to the staff, prisoners and families of Joyceville minimum security institution for 5 years until the universe surprised her with the opportunity to minister at Queen’s - the best job she has ever had out of all of her unusual opportunities. Kate’s ministry at Queen’s is focused on food security, post-traumatic growth, issues of equity and the joy of meaningful living. She is married to Cam and they have three children, one grandchild and a wonderful dog.
Contact Kate at: chaplain@queensu.ca
