Catherine (Heeter ’99) Bishop

Since graduating from Oakcrest School, both family and work commitments have taken Catherine (Heeter ’99) Bishop around the globe. From Jordan and Bahrain to now living in Santiago, Chile with her husband, Matthew, and their six children, Catherine takes the Oakcrest spirit with her wherever she goes. 

“Being a Yuma campus Oakie, I learned very early on to make the most of my circumstances and surroundings,” she said, “to not allow the less-than-ideal conditions limit my opportunities.” 

“Oakcrest, with no stage, no theatre, no consistent practice space, was able to put on world-class variety shows year after year,” Catherine continued. “Our sports teams were all competitive in our league and consistently won banners - we had grit and desire to do our best and be our best, no matter what. I absorbed this lesson through the example of my teachers, coaches, and mentors and have been able to draw on it in the years that followed.” 

Catherine attended the University of Dallas, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in politics and international studies in 2003, which set her up for an exciting and “unconventional career path,” as she says. “I have worked on Capitol Hill, managed a coffee shop, opened restaurants, been an office manager, a caterer, a first grade teacher, worked in embassies coordinating VIP visits,  all while managing a household of eight and moving every couple of years across continents and time zones.” 

“My career trajectory has been anything but conventional. I was a college junior on September 11, 2001. My post college plans changed and I had to adapt to the changing circumstances that came with dating then marrying a soldier in a time of war. We moved cross country twice and then endured several deployments. Every move brought challenges and opportunities that had me reinventing myself and my ‘career’. These jobs: Hill staffer, coffee manager, office manager, teacher, embassy employee, pushed me to constantly take stock of my skills and look at them in a new way - what can I bring to this job that no one else can? How can I do more with less?”

Some of Catherine’s favorite Oakcrest memories include history classes with Mrs. Kate Makuc, moral theology with Mrs. Bonnie Hanssen, and metaphysics with Dr. Edwina Maksym, in addition to the Oakcrest shows led by Ms. Pinky Puno and Mrs. Mary Rakow. 

“My Oakcrest education prepared me well for college and beyond,” Catherine said. “Oakcrest afforded me a well-rounded education and challenged me to explore the larger questions. I was pushed to go deeper and was given the space to explore my varied interests.” 

Above all, Catherine said that her Oakcrest experience grounded her well in the faith. “Oakcrest helped me grow deeply in my faith and afforded me the greatest friendships with strong faith-filled women that I leaned on in both joyous and difficult times. They have been my mentors, my confidants, my cheerleaders and my (loving and constructive) critics. I am a better mother, wife and co-worker because of these women.”

To the younger Oakies, Catherine says, “read everything, you’ll regret not making the most of your classes and your teachers when you are older. Also, be flexible in most things except your faith and convictions, but even there be compassionate. Be the love of Christ in the world unflinchingly.”