Consulting

Telling an engaging story about a social cause takes skill and heart. I bring both.

I’m an MFA-trained writer with a passion for social change and deep experience in education and nonprofit communications.

I began my career as a 9th grade teacher and went on to manage the communications activities of a national high school transformation initiative, to serve as the communication director of a Boston-based education nonprofit, and to lead a fabulous team of teen journalists to produce an internationally distributed magazine. Check out my resumé.

Today, I work on a freelance basis, helping nonprofits and mission-driven organizations elevate their messages, engage constituents, and inspire action.

See Samples

View more samples.  

My skills

• writing clear and engaging stories about complex problems and solutions
• bringing out the energy and emotional value of an organization or initiative
• finding language that is honest, urgent, and resonant for your constituents
• talking about data and research in fresh and accessible ways
• managing all stages of print and online production
• collaborating with graphic designers, web developers, photographers, and videographers to produce top-notch products
• helping organizations select the communications activities that will have the greatest impact over the long term

My expertise

• deep understanding of issues in K-12 education, school and district change, youth development, literacy instruction, youth voice and leadership, social/emotional development, college and career pathways, teacher education, and professional development
• additional expertise in racial and economic justice, women’s movements, urban history, poverty and demographic change, public health, mental health, early education, higher education, job training, and community philanthropy

I’m a quick study and a social issues nerd–always eager to learn and stretch for a great cause!

How I work

I tailor my services to the needs of each organization. Sometimes I manage production from concept to completion. At other times, I ghostwrite or edit the work of others. I work with some organizations on an ongoing basis and take one-off projects that fit my talents and schedule. (My schedule fills up!)

I can help you produce:

  • annual reports
  • web content
  • brochures and collateral
  • white papers & reports
  • case studies & practice briefs
  • newsletters
  • videos and multi-media products
  • op-eds, press releases, and more

I like to think big! Tell me your goals, and we’ll find the right vehicle to help you achieve them.

contact me

What my clients say…

Katie has been an invaluable part of the Brookline Community Foundation’s effort to raise its profile and increase public understanding about the challenges and opportunities we face as a town. She’s a careful listener and skilled writer, working closely with our staff and board as we shape messages and make our information accessible and actionable. Her writing has had a very significant impact on our work at the Foundation as well as public dialogue within Brookline.

–Jenny Amory, Executive Director, Brookline Community Foundation

Katie has been instrumental in shaping and executing Urban Teachers’ communications efforts, and her writing has helped us elevate our brand nationally. Katie has also been a tremendous thought partner, offering strategies and feedback that have allowed us to reach our organizational goals.

–Celia Parker, Assistant Director (Communications), Urban Teachers

We’ve received so many compliments on the annual report, and I always give Katie and J Sherman Studio [graphic design] credit. I think because they’ve been working with Social Innovation Forum a long time, they really get what we do. Katie and the Studio have a great way of communicating with each other and bringing their vision together in a way that helps shine a light on our work.

–Allison Picott, Director of Development, Social Innovation Forum

Clients