Teacher, technology specialist, and MS advocate — Katie is an absolute inspiration and a joy for me to work with as a headshot photographer! Katie has 4 degrees, values education and independence, and is being recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for her distinguished career in education. To be honest, I think this is just the beginning for her, and I love how she wants to pay it forward and help others on their MS journeys.
Why Rhinehart Photography?
Katie says, “My photoshoot was a more enjoyable experience than I originally imagined. I believe that my experience was positively impacted by Lisa’s ability to put me at ease with her experience and direction throughout the shoot. I appreciated her thoroughness and creative techniques. This was my first professional photoshoot, and I enjoyed the process because of Lisa.”
Katie’s Car
Katie worked hard for her BMW and enjoys it so much. It was really tough when, due to her MS, she lost that functionality with the petals and then that independence. Katie didn’t let that stop her…
Katie shares, “Independence– for me, it comes in the form of my paycheck, my recently purchased first home, and my automobile. When I was diagnosed with MS in 2007, the question of how long I would be able to continue to drive seemed far off. But in 2020, it became real, real fast.“
Getting her BMW custom fit for her MS
…and found the DARIOS System that both enabled her to drive with the pedals as hand controls, but also looks good, too!
Katie continues, “I had fallen and sprained my right ankle right before the pandemic shut down schools. My sprain, coupled with working from home, led to my need to use a mobile device to walk and hand controls to drive. It was like receiving a breath of fresh, rejuvenating air when my BMW was delivered with my new hand controls, the DARIOS System, installed. Independence, wrapped in leather.”
Katie’s Tech & Tools
Not only has she invested time researching the best tech for her car, but she has also adapted many tools and ways of life with MS. She found this super modern, sleek, quick walker, which translates into mobility and freedom.
Katie says, “The term ‘mobility device’ today is not recognizable as your grandparents’ walker, cane, or chair. Today’s devices consider the medical necessity alongside the individual’s needs and use. I am an independent, young professional who was diagnosed 20 years ago with MS. Forgive me for bragging a little, but in these past 20 years: I earned a second master’s, owned a number of vehicles, purchased my first home, completed a 20-year brick and mortar teaching career, and started a new online teaching career.”
She smiles, “What of that description of accomplishments screams ‘old hospital-style walker’ to you? Companies that manufacture or sell products, including the Able Life Space Saving Walker and the BeWell IV Zip Hoodie, seem to recognize that, unlike yesterday, a diagnosis of MS today does not stop the diagnosed. Sometimes, it pushes them even further.“
Katie’s focus on technology
Katie is incredibly tech-savvy, and as a business information systems teacher, she is a lifelong learner, always working to stay on top of the latest technology.
Katie shares, “My academic background is both comprehensive and aligned with my professional pursuits. I acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Wilson College in 2001 and a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University in 2002. In 2003, I earned a K-12 certification in Business, Computers, and Information Technology from Shippensburg University, and in 2019, a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Towson University. Besides my formal education, my commitment to ongoing professional development is evident through my continued completion of PDE SAS Professional Development trainings and ACT48 credits.”
Katie’s Hope: Helping Others Find Freedom
Katie is an MS advocate and a person who really wants to pay it forward. She knows how difficult life with MS can be, and she really values her own independence and vibrant life, and wants others with MS to experience the same!
Katie shares, “I believe it’s my duty to be a lifelong learner. Being able to share my knowledge with my students and hopefully inspire them to achieve their own success is a big benefit. It also helps to handle new situations and go with the flow. Being adaptable and able to adjust to change is a valuable skill. These skills I am proud to share have assisted me throughout my MS journey as well.
She continues, “Adaptability, lifelong learning, self-reliance, and advocacy are all needed both in my professional and personal life today. I hope to inspire others starting, or well into their own journey with MS, with my own personal commitment to continually cultivating and strengthening these skills.”
Transitioning to cyber school
Katie taught in a brick-and-mortar classroom for over 20 years, focusing on business computers and information technology as a high school teacher. In 2024, she began a new online teaching career. This allows her to work from home and interact with students online.
Katie says, “I started teaching at Spring Grove Area School District in 2004 as a Business, Computers, and Information Technology teacher. In 2007, I was diagnosed with MS, but had limited flare-ups to contend with. I returned to teaching after the pandemic, utilizing a mobility device and teaching both in-person and online.”
She adds, “In 2024, I ended my 20-year career with SGASD and started an online teaching career with Commonwealth Charter Academy. Since the pandemic, learning management systems have evolved and come full circle. Working at CCA has deepened my appreciation. They have a proprietary system that surpasses anything I experienced in public school districts in terms of capability, and they are constantly improving it. We’re not settling for what we had yesterday; we’re always striving for more. I love being part of an organization that holds that belief in what they do.”
Explorations and moving forward
I can see so much for Katie in her future! She has so much positivity and emphasis on teaching and helping others. I could really see her being an MS influencer, helping to brighten and light the way for others. She can share what has helped her and inspire others. I am strongly encouraging her to get an Instagram or other platform so she can be seen on a larger platform.
Katie says, “You might have MS, but that doesn’t mean your life stops. You can have a fun, successful life. Four degrees and none of them in medicine, but I am the expert in my MS. You are the expert on yours. Find the silver lining!“
Hopefully, you have found this on her Facebook, LinkedIn, or Who’s Who link! In any case, I’m so happy that you’ve read this blog and are seeing her today. ❤️
Headshot Photographer: Katie’s Slideshow
Katie’s Hair and Makeup:
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