After graduating from the fashion design program at Philadelphia University, Katie moved to New York and spent 14 years working for women’s high-end fashion labels including Nanette Lepore, Yoana Baraschi, and a diffusion line for Marchesa.  Specializing in embellished garments, one of Katie’s designs for Nanette Lepore was featured on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily.  She was also a brand manager for licensed products in Japan and China, and during her tenure Nanette Lepore’s Asian business flourished, opening 5 luxury boutiques in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo’s chic Ginza shopping district. Outside of the high-end world, Katie collaborated on several costumes, including an ermine robe for Puff Daddy, and Bjork’s costume for her “Wanderlust” music video.

Katie currently works on freelance projects for a variety of designers and on projects for Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. She has also designed delicate bridal trousseau pieces by Yoana Baraschi for BHLDN, designed pieces for NY-based women’s designer Anya Ponorovskaya, and worked on the launch of the collaboration between Reed Krakoff and Kohl’s.  

Katie uses her industry connections and recent working experiences to help guide the course matter that she teaches, to ensure that students are learning the skills they will need upon graduation.  She currently teaches Senior Collection courses in which students develop their capstone projects, Portfolio, and several classes in the Fashion Design Management graduate program.