Katy grew up in rural Indiana, adventuring through the forested hills and rivers that were her backyard. “I remember pretending to be an outdoor survivalist, building camps, and enjoying the peace of nature.”

She attended college at Morehead State University in Kentucky and joined ROTC. In 2005, was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany and deployed to Iraq in 2006 with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Infantry Division. Katy held a variety of positions within the four years she served; public affairs, battery executive officer, intelligence, platoon leader, movement officer, and rear-detachment readiness.

Ready to explore her home country after the opportunity to travel Europe extensively, Katy spent a summer experiencing America on the road. Soon after, she made a move and took a job that would change her life—she became a guide on the Colorado River. Katy found her spirit in the Rocky Mountains and found her passion for adventure. “I’m honored to work with the F.E.W-to share my time, motivation, experience, and adventure with fellow Veterans. Nature provides a space for healing and connection- I’ve experienced and witnessed powerful moments in the back-country.”

Katy currently owns and operates a backpacking company called Intentional Adventures and also guides for Colorado River Center, Alternate Routes, Walking the World, and No Barriers Warriors. “I love to hike with my dog Buddy, travel, raft or paddle with friends, snowshoe in the winter, lift heavy weights at the gym, and soak in hot springs to recover!”