Kathy has always loved the outdoors, and as a natural offshoot began paddling. She has donated time to various groups to serve as a safety boater and has assisted with Red Cross kayak and canoeing classes. Just recently she became a certified Red Cross and American Canoe Association kayak instructor for beginning and moving water levels. She has also guided and assisted with instruction on CRGS trips. Kathy paddled both kayaks and canoes on flatwater and up to Class III+ whitewater.

Her paddling adventures have taken her to the Cossatot in Arkansas, the Week of Rivers in North Carolina, creeking in Texas, and several multi-day, wilderness expedition trips on the Rio Grande. She has two sons, both of which paddle and have accompanied her occasionally on trips.