Katie Engen, M.Ed.

Service Areas: Montgomery County, MD; Washington, D.C.

Specialties: Thinking Organized’s Core Focus Areas: Time Management; Material Organization; Studying Strategies; Note-taking; Written Language; Emphasis on Reading, Writing, and Language Disorders

Education: Katie earned her M.Ed. with Educateur from the University of Virginia and three other certifications to teach people with a variety of special needs including learning disabilities or ADHD. Most recently she has earned certifications for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Integration techniques, as well as K-8 Economics Education methods.

Experience:
I’ve taught students from kindergarten through undergraduate levels, tutored privately for 20+ years, coordinated curriculum for a small private school, mentored beginning teachers in my own classroom and alternative settings, developed national science education outreach events (White House, USA Science & Engineering Festival), managed large research grants (NIH, science societies), and co-authored or consulted on science education journal articles. I’ve published nonfiction articles and books-for-hire withNational Geographic – Kids, Smithsonian Institution, educational presses, and others. I copywrite, blog, and edit for commercial and pro bono clients. I write kidlit books and lessons that nurture critical thinking, cross-curricular exploration, and creative fun.

What do you enjoy most about working at Thinking Organized?
Collaborating with staff and clients to individualize effective resources that help people clarify their current frustrations, needs, and abilities so they can set clear goals and bring about satisfying progress.

What has been your greatest personal and/or professional achievement and why?
Raising two dynamic daughters with my husband tops my personal chart. Professionally, it’s my drawer (plus inbox) of thank you notes and labeled sketches from students and parents I treasure most. This collection represents countless quiet ‘A-ha moments’ and ‘I did it!’ squeals – and the work each person accomplished to get there.

What interesting fact would your clients & colleagues be most surprised to learn about you?
I run marathons – more on stubbornness than speed, but I love knowing I’m toeing the exact same start line as world elites.  I’m fueled by faith, family, laughter, ocean waves, great books, and ice cream. In fact, my dream side gig would be Professional Ice Cream Reviewer.