Meet Dr. Kathy

Dr. Kathy faithfully travels more than 40 weeks of the year to encourage parents and celebrate kids

Meet Dr. Kathy

Dr. Kathy Koch (pronounced “cook”) is a renowned speaker, author, researcher, and founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., whose life’s work is shaped by strong family relationships, wise adult mentors, intentional encouragement, and a deep confidence in God’s design. As a self-described “too-tall, chatty Kathy” who didn’t spell well, Kathy grew up surrounded by parents and other adults who helped her recognize her strengths, patiently work on her weaknesses, develop resilience, and grow into a confident learner. Those early experiences formed her conviction that people thrive when they are known well, guided wisely, encouraged intentionally, and celebrated faithfully the way Jesus did and still does.

Dr. Kathy holds a PhD in reading and cognition and brings decades of educational research, classroom experience, leadership training, and ministry application to her work. She is the author of nine books, 8 with Moody Publishers. She is a consistent podcaster and a trusted voice in conversations around identity, development, communication, learning, and faith. She is a frequent guest on Focus on the Family, has appeared on the Culture Apothecary podcast with Alex Clark, and regularly contributes to national discussions on raising confident, resilient, Christ-centered kids and adults.

What sets Dr. Kathy apart is her ability to connect with audiences. Whether she is speaking to parents, educators, pastors, counselors, or organizational leaders, people consistently say they feel seen, known, and understood. Her teaching helps audiences grasp the life-giving truth that everyone is smart, that God meets every person’s core needs, and that growth happens best within healthy relationships. She explains complex ideas with clarity, warmth, research-based insight, and contagious joy.

Dr. Kathy is also widely known for her unique teaching on MindStyles®, which equips leaders in churches, schools, businesses, families, and ministries to understand why people think, feel, communicate, and work the way they do. This framework strengthens leadership, improves communication, increases engagement, deepens empathy, and fosters collaboration across differences.

She has spoken for AACC, CareNet, The Colson Center, Summit Ministries, Impact 360, Youth Leadership Summit, and countless homeschool and private-school gatherings. Through every book, podcast, training, and keynote, Dr. Kathy’s mission remains clear: to help people celebrate the many smarts God has placed in others, steward their influence well, and make God’s name great in the world.

“Dr. Kathy offers practical, relatable, and spiritual-centered insights and strategies for parents and educators, instructing them on how to guide children to develop biblical character so they flourish in life. ”

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Hear Dr. Kathy Speak

  • November 7-8 - LaTourneau Grandparents - Longview, TX

  • November 12 - Techless Parents Night - Shiner, TX

  • December 9 - Colson Fellows Regional Cohort Event - Atlanta, GA

— 2026 —

  • January 16 - Linville Hill Christian School - Paradise, PA

  • January 20-21 - Summit Semester - Manitou Springs, CO

  • February 6-7 - Human Flourishing Conference - Lynchburg, VA

  • February 14-15 - Foothill Church - Cameron Park, CA

  • February 21 - Be Bold For Jesus - Spokane, WA

  • February 28-29 - Private Event - Monument, CO

  • March 5 - Foothills Christian Ministries - El Cajon, CA

  • March 8-11 - Private Event - North Carolina

  • March 12 - Memphis Christian Church - Memphis, IN

  • March 13-14 - IAHE Convention - French Lick, IN

  • March 19-21 - Legacy Coalition Conf.

  • March 23 - Youth Pastors Summit - CA

  • March 25-28 - Private Event - Washington, DC

  • April 12 - First Baptist - Dallas, TX

  • April 13-14 - Youth Pastors Summit - Dallas, TX

  • April 15-19 - Married for Life - Brainerd, MN

  • April 20 - Youth Pastors Summit - Nashville, TN

  • April 21-22 - Foothills Community Christian School - Great Falls, MT

  • April 27-28 - Youth Pastors Summit - Raleigh, NC

  • May 8-10 - Teach Them Diligently - Pigeon Forge, TN

  • May 15-16 - Teach Them Diligently - Branson, MO

  • May 27-28 - Summit Session 1 - Manitou Springs, CO

  • May 29-30 - MACHE Convention - Arden Hills, MN

  • June 2 - Summit Semester - Stevensville, MT

  • June 3-4 - Summit Session 2 - Manitou Springs, CO

  • June 8-12 - Summit Marketplace with a Purpose - Colorado Springs, CO

  • June 16 - Impact360 - Georgia

  • June 23 - Impact360 - Georgia

  • July 3 - Summit Session 1 - Lookout Mountain, GA

  • July 5-10 - Private Event - Georgia

  • July 13-14 - Summit Session 3 - Manitou Springs, CO

  • July 15-16 - Youth Leadership Summit

  • July 17-18 - Culture Proof - Hebron, KY

  • July 20-21 - Summit Session 4 - Manitou Springs, CO

  • July 22-23 - Summit Session 2 - Lookout Mountain, GA

  • July 31-Aug. 1 - Summit Alumni - Greenville, SC

  • Aug. 10 - Summit Session 5 - Manitou Springs, CO

  • Aug. 12-13 - ICS - Winter Park, FL

  • Aug. 14-17 - Hillcrest Academy - Fergus Falls, MN

  • Aug. 18 - Summit Session 6 - Manitou Springs, CO

  • Sept. 10-12 - AACC National Conf. - Fort Worth, TX

  • Oct. 8-10 - First Baptist - Fort Worth, TX