Kate was born in Vancouver and raised on the southern Gulf Islands and in Victoria. She became interested in making art at an early age and received encouragement from her family and teachers. After graduation from high school, Kate developed her skills as a book illustrator and graphic artist. She later attended the Victoria College of Art.  In 1985, she received her BFA Honours Degree in Painting from the University of Victoria and directly after graduation attended the Art Studio at the Banff Centre for the Arts in 1985-86 and again in 1987-88.

Except for one year working for the British Council in the UK, in 1989, Kate was involved with the Banff Centre for the Arts in Alberta as a program coordinator, facilitator and community advisor from 1987 to 1995. During this time she developed teaching skills in art education, in both continuing adult education and as an artist in the local public school system.

Throughout her various pursuits Kate continued to paint and develop as an artist. After an intense and brief stint as a sheep farmer on Salt Spring Island, Kate returned to Victoria where she paints full time.