Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kathy's father was a Lutheran pastor whose job moved the family across the United States and Canada the majority of her young life. Upon graduating from Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma with a degree in Theater and Speech, Kathy settled in Canada in 1979. While there, she kept active in community theater; directing and producing, in particular. Upon moving to Calgary, Alberta, she seriously began to pursue additional training and attended The Company of Rogues Actors Studio.