Katherine Almand

I have done case management when I worked at Community Day Middle School and Community Day High School. I worked with Juveniles who were either on probation, or expelled from the comprehensive schools. In my position as the Community Day School Secretary, I prepared expulsiion packets as well as readmission packets for the Monterey Peninsula Board of Education. I took daily attendance and would pick up the students from their home to make sure they did not skip school. A lot of communication with the Truancy Judge, attorney, and Probation Officers.

• Tina Gonzales, 831-917-1052, tigonza@gmail.com
• Darrell McDowell, 831-901-7372, dmcdowell@mpusd.net

• MPUSD Way Campaign, 2016
• California National Guard Grizzly Youth Academy Mentor Certification of Completion, 2014
• Strengthening Families Program, 2012
• MPUSD Recognition in providing emergency assistance to an injured student, 2009

I have completed my CPR training on 26 July 2025.

I graduated from Heald College in Salinas with a double major of Computer Business Administration and Accounting - Graduated in August 2001.

I have a license to operate a forklift as I am a member of the US Navy Reserves. We load and unload ammunition to the ships.

We are required to do GMT's, online trainings every year.

Passing our PRT, Physical Readiness Training.

My CAU, Cross Assigned Unit CO (Commanding Officer) promoted me from an E4 to an E5 "For being the hardest worker he has ever seen."

• CASA of Monterey - Court Appointed Special Advocate
• America Red Cross - Yearly help with helping the community during holidays.

I came across this wonderful cause that I have been dreaming of finishing my AAS in Psychology and Social Work. Once I saw this amazing opportunity, I immediately wanted to apply. My upbringings taught me how to roll with the punches and not dwell on my childhood. I raised 3 children on my own. They are now young adults. Mental illness is a very important subject for me as I have observed that mental illness entered in my family to my youngest adult son. I have tried my best to help him and he does not want to get any type of health. My journey is to help/reach as many individuals I possibly can. I know what it's like to not have a roof over your head, to be hungry, and to feel alone.

I love to go hiking. My youngest son looks just like me and he also loves hiking. I like to check on my friends and family and see how they are doing. I am a CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate for a teenage kiddo. I stay in touch with him and his grandmother. Recently, I realized that my yongest son has been struggling with mental illness. I tried to help him but he refused the help. I may not be able to reach my son with this mental illness but, I stay faithful that one day, he will turn the corner and get that much needed help. My cause to help others has always been a part of me. I want to help/reach as many people as possible. Sometimes, that is all it takes, someone who cares and wants to help. 

I volunteer for events at CASA often. I love the work that CASA does. They help kids. I mentor my teenage mentee even when he was shipped out to a facility. I stay in communication with former students who had their struggles and one that has been incarcerated. I won't give up on kiddos that I make a commitment to be available when they need me. I want to make a difference in peoples lives. Sometimes it's the smallest detail that makes a person turn things around. Staying optemistic is very important in this line of work. I am all in to help the people we serve. 

I love to go hiking with my adult children. The youngest of the three loves to hike as well. I have three adult children and I have two granddaughters. Holidays can be fun and a house full of our family and friends. Spending time with my adult children has always been important to me. Tomorrow is not promised so I try to be intentional with my family. Hiking gets me where I like to be, outdoors. It's even better when my youngest son would hike with me. I miss him very much.