Katie is an award-winning tourism professional with an educational and employment history that spans the globe. Growing up in the Midwest, she’s since lived in Japan, Honduras, and The Bahamas, where she won the prestigious Cacique Award for Sustainable Tourism in 2015 for her work in establishing and promoting ecotourism opportunities in the archipelago. As an avid traveler and adventurer, she’s keenly aware of what it takes to create a truly epic safari experience, and as the Office Manager for Yellowstone Safari Company, she works tirelessly to ensure that your visit to Yellowstone is an unforgettable expedition. Katie has traveled extensively throughout India, the Caribbean, Central America, New Zealand, Europe, and East Africa in search of iconic wildlife and breathtaking beauty. Now at home in the Greater Yellowstone Area, she’s eager to help you explore one of America’s greatest wilderness areas here in the world’s first National Park.
Certifications
- B.A. Global Studies – Environment and Sustainable Development | University of Minnesota
- Emergency First Response: Primary and Secondary First Aid & CPR
- Cacique Award for Sustainable Tourism
- Blue Flag | Foundation for Environment Education
- AAWA - Certificate in Organizational Leadership
- MindEdge - Performance Management Certification
- Bozeman Chamber - HR & Employment Law
- Fear Free Shelter Certification
- ServSafe Food Handling Certification
- Pet CPR & First Aid
- PADI Advanced Diver
More Adventures
Katie's Favorite Safari Tours
Bio
Katie has had a passion for animals and our natural world from a young age growing up in Minnesota. After receiving a B.A. degree in “Global Studies – Environment and Sustainable Development” from the University of Minnesota, she spent 6 months volunteering in Honduras on various conservation projects ranging from trail maintenance in the cloud forest of La Tigra National Park to environmental education in the schools on the island of Utila. After her time in Central America, Katie accepted an offer to fill one of the managerial positions at the Bimini Biological Field Station on the island of Bimini in The Bahamas. The field station’s primary focus was on shark research, and for the next 4 years, Katie conducted a wide variety of management and research duties working with sharks and other marine and terrestrial wildlife.
Katie’s career in ecotourism also began on the island of Bimini. She and her husband, Grant, created and managed an internationally acclaimed ecotourism program focused on education and conservation, providing year-round opportunities for visitors and locals to enjoy Bimini’s natural attractions. After 8 years of leading nature hikes, snorkeling trips, dolphin swims, shark dives, and boat tours, the pair received the Cacique Award for Sustainable Tourism, The Ministry of Tourism’s highest honor in the country’s foremost industry.
After leaving The Bahamas, Katie moved to Bozeman, MT and decided to pursue a career focused on another passion of her’s, animal welfare. She found employment at Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, right here in the Bozeman community, where she was promoted through the ranks to Operations Director. She worked to advocate for the homeless pets in our community for nearly 8 years before she decided to return to ecotourism and fill the role of Office Manager at Yellowstone Safari Company. Katie has spent countless hours enjoying and exploring the Greater Yellowstone Area, and she is often the friendly voice you hear on the other end of the phone when planning your next Yellowstone Adventure.
