Women’s History Month Q&A - Katie Shanahan

Katie Shanahan is in her 1st year teaching freshman, sophomore, and senior English at Central Catholic High School.  Prior to working at CCHS, Katie taught at St. Adalbert, Ladyfield, and most recently Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School & Academy.

Katie graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in English.

Katie and her husband, Matt, have 2 sons, Daniel (17) and Jackson (14).  Matt is a 1990 CCHS graduate and a Bishop's Cross recipient.  Katie’s hobbies include reading, running, and gardening.

What advice would you give to women in your respective field?
Speak up for yourself.  You are allowed to have a life outside of teaching.  We, too often, put our needs at the bottom of the list; we put other's successes in front of our own.  We need to remember that our stories, our lives, and our successes are important.

Tell us about a woman you looked up to & why?
I have been fortunate to be surrounded by strong female leaders in my life, but I have to say the woman I most look up to is my sister, Kelly.  She has taken what life offers and makes it her own.  Kelly doesn't pretend it's easy; she simply perseveres.  She might get down, but she gets right back up and moves forward.

What does Women's History Month mean to you?
Women's History Month is a reminder that women are amazing and have made valuable contributions to society.  So many of our stories are missing in history. Brave women came before us and did amazing things. We need to remember that these stories matter, our stories matter, and our contributions to the greater good matters.

What makes Central Catholic High School a SPECIAL place?
CCHS is special because of the people that work here.  Yes, our students are so amazing and do (and will continue to do) tremendous things in their lives, but in truth, it's the people behind the students, the ones who work behind the scenes.  These men and women are truly remarkable.  Without the teachers, the assistants, the maintenance, the administration, etc., CCHS would not be able to send such remarkable people into the world to do good.