Kathleen is recognized for her extraordinary leadership and lasting contributions to the SPARK School Park Program and the broader community in Houston. After retiring on June 30, 2025, Kathleen concluded a remarkable 37-year career with SPARK, which she joined in 1988. Under her guidance, SPARK evolved into a nationally recognized model for public-private partnerships, successfully creating over 250 parks (over her 37 years) across 18 school districts and 4 charter networks in the Greater Houston area. These SPARK Parks serve dual purposes—offering vital green space for students during school hours and acting as public parks for the community during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Kathleen’s visionary leadership has helped raise more than $45 million to fund the development and enhancement of these shared-use spaces. A trailblazer in the Green Schoolyard movement, Kathleen has redefined how schools and neighborhoods interact with outdoor spaces.