Influential Woman · Author of children's books and dance instructor
Kathryn Marks
Author of Childrens Books, Private Company
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Her Story
About Kathryn
Kathryn Marks is an author, Mental Health Advocate, Human Rights Advocate for Consumers with Disabilities, and Peer Support Specialist dedicated to empowering individuals through storytelling, creativity, and compassionate support. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Kathryn has built a career focused on helping others find confidence, healing, and connection.
As the author of several children's books and community-centered publications, Kathryn uses storytelling to celebrate individuals, preserve meaningful experiences, and inspire readers of all ages. Her journey as a writer began after the passing of her parents, when she inherited treasured family keepsakes and was encouraged to transform those memories into a book. That experience inspired her to create stories rooted in personal connections, photographs, and life experiences.
Kathryn graduated from the University of Richmond with an Associate's Degree and a minor in the Arts. She also attended Virginia Commonwealth University with an emphasis in Education. One of her favorite professional experiences was working with the grant funded "Using Dance to Read" program through Partners in the Arts, where she helped children strengthen their reading skills through dance and creative expression while also teaching painting classes. This experience reinforced her belief that providing people with the right resources empowers them to succeed.
Throughout her career, Kathryn has combined her background in education, the arts, and advocacy to create meaningful projects that support literacy, recovery, and community engagement. Most recently, her work as a Peer Support Specialist has deepened her understanding of the importance of supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities.
Through her writing, advocacy, and peer support work, Kathryn continues to inspire others by demonstrating the power of creativity, resilience, and human connection.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kathryn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, meaningful life experiences, and a deep commitment to helping others. My journey has been shaped by the values I learned through my family, my years as a dance teacher, and the connections I have built through supporting people in recovery. I am driven by a desire to bring joy, encouragement, and hope to others through my writing, teaching, and community work. Each experience has strengthened my passion for creating opportunities that help people heal, rebuild confidence, and recognize their own potential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received came from my sister, who encouraged me to “take this box and do something with it.” That simple challenge inspired me to transform a collection of keepsakes into my first book and opened the door to a new chapter in my life as an author. It reminded me of the importance of embracing opportunities, trusting my creativity, and finding purpose in the experiences and stories we carry with us. That advice continues to guide me as I create meaningful work that connects with and inspires others.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing the desire to share meaningful stories with the responsibility of protecting the privacy and dignity of the individuals involved, especially when working with people in recovery and ensuring compliance with HIPAA standards. I also recognize the challenges of finding talented photographers and illustrators who can bring these stories to life, as well as navigating limited resources and funding for creative community projects. At the same time, these challenges present opportunities to continue developing thoughtful, impactful work that celebrates people’s experiences, builds connections, and brings hope and encouragement to communities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, kindness, and respect for others. I believe in creating happiness, supporting people through their recovery journeys, and helping individuals recognize their strength and potential. I also place great importance on honoring people’s privacy and treating every person’s story with dignity, care, and confidentiality. These values guide the way I write, teach, and connect with my community.
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