Catherine Nam Artist Profile
This month we are featuring Catherine Nam, from Rancho Elementary School in Novato. Catherine is the Principal there and has been an invaluable partner in one of our Saffron Communities programs by making her school the first to complete a mural by artist Charlo.
Inspired by Charlo's mural at The Watershed, in Petaluma, Catherine saw him as the epitome of the American Dream. A Mexican immigrant who overcame language barriers and pursued education, Charlo rose to become a Creative Director at a design firm, exemplifying resilience and contributing positively to society. This recognition sparked Catherine's decision to pursue a mural project for Rancho Elementary, aiming to celebrate stories like Charlo's and inspire others with tales of perseverance and achievement.
Catherine was born and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, to a Singaporean father and a Caucasian mother, in a family that valued learning and curiosity. Her upbringing instilled in her a passion for working with children and wanting to make a difference, leading her to earn her B.A. from UC Santa Cruz, and her teaching credential through San Francisco State University. She worked as a middle school teacher for about 10 years before taking some time off to be with her young children.
Upon returning to the classroom, Catherine worked as an elementary intervention teacher (working one-on-one with students experiencing difficulties in the classroom) and taught 4th and 5th grade, as well as district math coach. It was during this time she felt she could do more for her students, realizing how much she missed being around the children, and so transitioned to full time elementary school education.
Though she found fulfillment as a teacher, Catherine felt she could do more for her students, advocating for inclusivity and ensuring that every child, family, and culture felt valued and represented in schools. This led her to pursue a Masters in Education Administration from USF, and she became Principal at Rancho Elementary School in Novato not long afterwards.
One of the reasons she chose Rancho Elementary was its diverse student body. Catherine is passionate about celebrating multicultural diversity and believes that embracing and honoring multiple cultural traditions fosters unity and understanding among students and families.
At Rancho every holiday gets a mention, including Christmas, Hannukah, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, and Hispanic Heritage, among others. Catherine sees education as a powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive society, promoting empathy and open dialogue providing children with the means to bridge divides and create a more interconnected and understanding society. Starting children young with these concepts cultivates individuals who are receptive and adept at understanding and connecting with every aspect of their community.
Outside of her professional life, Catherine is an avid athlete who enjoys participating in triathlons and outdoor activities, achieving the remarkable feat of reaching Everest Base Camp. She finds joy in spending time with her husband and two adult children, embracing life in Novato.
