Her Story
About Kathleen
I've dedicated nearly 52 years to music education, starting May 18th when I first entered the field. For 45 of those years, I served as Director of Music Education and Fine Arts for Quincy Public Schools, where I oversaw programs for 7,000 students across all areas of music and fine arts, including band, orchestra, theater, and show choir. The responsibilities were extensive - as I mentioned, it's like a list 3 pages long. I've directed over 50 musicals and my choirs and bands have won many, many awards over the years. One of my most notable achievements was being featured as a hero on the Netflix series Queer Eye, where the Fab Five highlighted our entire town, our school, and my work. After retiring from my director position, I've continued my passion for teaching as a part-time music teacher at a parochial school for the past 6 years. I also work as a choreographer doing projects all over the country. My success really comes from my students - they're amazing humans who work super hard to pull off the impossible on stage, in competitions, and in trips. They use their talents to help people and bring joy to a lot of people.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathleen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my students. I have amazing, amazing students that work really hard at the crazy things that I think up for them to do. They work super, super hard to sometimes pull off the impossible on stage, in trips, or in competitions that we're in, or just in every day. They're just really great humans who use their talents to help people and bring a lot of joy to a lot of people. It's not me, it's my students - I'm just leading them.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to not stop doing what I do. Numerous people have told me throughout my career to keep going and not stop, and I think that's especially important when you're good at what you do.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are building relationships, integrity, grit, and consistency. These principles guide everything I do, both professionally and personally.
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