Katelyn Waterhouse is the Education Director at our new Indiana, PA campus. She is committed to student growth, collaboration, and meaningful relationships. Learn more about her vision to support students, staff, and families. 

Can you talk about your career trajectory and what led you to your role at our Indiana campus?  

My first teaching position was through AmeriCorps for a juvenile detention center, where I was assigned to teach corrective reading. I had an instant connection with many of the students, recognizing that most of them just wanted someone to believe in them.  

It didn’t take long to apply for a master’s in special education, where I cultivated a desire to help foster relationships with students, families, and the community to find a place where every student can be their best self.  

After several years of working with the intermediate unit during the summers, and teaching online in the early mornings, I entered a classroom full-time. I honed my vocation as a teacher in Catholic education and pursued a degree in Pastoral Ministry. I also joined a team of Regional Youth Ministry Directors. As I worked with some of the greatest people and teens of my life, I realized the classroom is my home.  

What do you love most about working in alternative education?   

Alternative education is the beginning of the generational change that can foster hope in a student; we can help them learn and build tools to make better choices. It helps provide a balance of my desire to be in the classroom and my desire to make a real impact in someone’s life.  

What makes our Indiana campus special?   

In many schools there are teachers for academics, counselors for emotional well-being, and disciplinarians to address behaviors that can get in the way of students being their best selves. But at our Indiana campus, our classrooms are symbiotic, where the teacher leads and the counselors and behavior coaches support. While we all have our official titles, all of us teach, counsel, and coach our students. We are anything our students need us to be.  

How would you describe your leadership style?   

I want to cultivate a team that collaborates and values autonomy. I am aware that everyone has their own way of doing things; we have standards, and I can provide guidance and support, but I do not want to get stuck in a unilateral way of thinking.   

What is your vision for the Indiana campus and for partnering with districts and families?   

We are actively building partnerships and expanding into new districts. As we continue to demonstrate how effective our program is for many students in the area, I hope that we become the first alternative placement that districts consider when students need additional support.  

I also want to help eliminate stereotypes about alternative placements and want River Rock Academy to be a school where students feel proud to attend. It’s important that students see it as a place where they are supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.  

What does success look like? What is your ultimate goal in your role?   

Success for an Education Director is creating a growth-oriented culture at River Rock Academy that values the many roles and talents that come together to make a strong team. My ultimate goal is to build an environment where staff feel supported and appreciated for what they bring to the table, so we can focus on providing a truly student-centered approach that helps our students become who they want to be. 

What is a fun fact about you not many people know?   

I used to collect PEZ dispensers; I have a box overflowing with opened and unopened dispensers that tell a story. I also collect magnets of all the places we travel and visit, and they are displayed everywhere they stick. 

Katelyn’s perspective reflects the caring, collaborative approach she is helping to build at our Indiana, PA campus.