Auteur: Elizabeth Ann Atkins

Catherine holds a Master of Arts degree in Writing from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan. She also earned a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Centro de Lenguas e Intercambio Cultural via the University of Cambridge International House, Seville, Spain. She has taught university-level English, Creative Writing and English as a Second Language. Catherine is a past recipient of writing grants from the Sierra Arts Foundation and the Nevada Arts Council. She has done extensive freelance writing and editing, including a recurring community-focused column, where she highlighted the work of nonprofits, as well as regular restaurant reviews, book reviews, features articles and cover stories, including an interview with Nigerian playwright and poet, Wole Soyinka, winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature. Catherine honed her business skills and financial acumen during her decade-long tenure in the brokerage industry while working as a registered representative at both Fortune 100 companies as well as small, independent, family-owned businesses. Catherine serves as the state secretary and newsletter editor for AAUW-New Mexico, which advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Catherine is a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and former meeting room leader where she inspired many others to reach and maintain their target weight range through her enthusiasm for healthy living through moderation.