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Saint Olaf Catholic School
Responsibly Intellectually Spiritually Emotionally

About Mrs. Bakker

GETTING TO KNOW MRS. BAKKER:

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Katie Bakker and I was born and raised here in Utah, attending local schools. I attended college in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am married and have two boys who both attend Saint Olaf and are part of the reason I now work here. My background is in nursing, but I have discovered that the nursing skills of teaching, service, clear communication, documentation and team work are the same skills needed to work successfully in the educational field.

If you could have lunch with 1 person dead or alive, who would that be and why?
Someone famous would be C.S. Lewis or Jane Austen. I’d love to talk to them about the experiences that shaped their writing and hear their life stories. I’d love to have lunch with my grandfather Homer because he died a month before I was born. I would like to know even a bit about the man who was my dad’s dad.
What is something on your Bucket List?
A friend recently talked about biking across Iceland and I haven’t gotten it out of my mind. I’d love to disappear into the wilds of Alaska for a bit, travel to many far off places and see the Northern Lights from a glass domed Igloo.
What book have you read that changed you and why?
The Bible would be the #1 book that has shaped my life. Knowing God changes everything. Another book that opened my eyes to struggle, poverty, and human endurance was Grapes of Wrath.
What is your favorite thing about teaching or working with young people?
I love the way children see the world, I love their honesty, discovery moments, curiosity, and willingness to be vulnerable and open.
How would a friend describe you in three words?
Loyal, compassionate, dependable
If you had to compare yourself to one fictional character, who would it be?
Someone between Catherine from Northanger Abbey and Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice
What is the best BAD decision you ever made?
I know it will usually turn out good if the decision initially terrifies me. I was terrified to work here at the school, plagued with insecurities and doubts, but I have had an incredible time getting to know this community, its past, present, and to be able to dream and help steward its future. This community is an unbelieveable blessing to me and my family. Thank you!
When are you most yourself?
With close friends and family who know me and know how to interpret me.
What could you spend all day talking about?
The school, good books, most current events, faith & God, anything creative, art, DIY projects, nursing, my family and friends
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Bargain shop, hang out with friends and family, eat delicious food, read, work on projects, garden or do something active outside.
 
 

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

DEGREE:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

OTHER:

  • As an RN, I often precepted (orientation and on-the-job training/teaching) new hires, nursing students, and unit aides. I served as a charge nurse and helped teach at in-services and training