Kathy has strong ties to the Statesboro area, as her parents grew up in and currently reside in Bulloch County along with her extended family. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1994. After graduation, Kathy attended the University of Montana School of Law graduating with a J.D. in 1999. ​​Kathy’s practice in Montana consisted almost entirely of work as a public defender. In 2006, she moved to Statesboro, was admitted to the Georgia Bar, and has practiced law there ever since. Kathy is secretary of the Downtown Rotary Club of Statesboro.