Born  into an Air Force family, Catherine grew up all over the world before deciding to lay roots in Alabama.  She graduated cum laude from The University of Alabama and received her Bachelor of Arts in both English and Psychology.

Catherine stayed in Tuscaloosa and obtained her Juris Doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law. While in law school, Catherine participated in numerous community development programs and received the top grade in the Domestic Violence Clinic as a student lawyer.

Upon her graduation, Catherine secured employment as a law clerk to the Honorable James P. Smith of the 23rd Judicial Circuit. She is also a member of the Alabama State Bar, Madison County Bar Association, and the Madison County Volunteer Lawyers