About Kathy

Dr. Kathy Toogood brings over three decades of experience as a teacher and leader to her work as a speaker, coach, and facilitator. She delights in making learning personal and transformational. Through story, and clear takeaways, Kathy inspires audiences to focus on what they can control: their thinking, being, and doing.

Dr. Toogood has been fostering leadership development for years through personal mentoring, teaching graduate courses, leading workshops and retreats. Drawing from her research with female leaders, Kathy empowers women to identify their gifts, strengths, and areas of passion to embrace a leadership journey that is authentic, meaningful, and sustainable. She supports individuals through her book, Women Thriving in Leadership: Practices for Cultivating Wholeness and Community, as well as personal coaching. 

Kathy believes that people thrive in communities where they can live in reciprocity, offering their gifts and receiving support from others who are sharing their skills and insights. Kathy creates space for people to learn with and from each other through respectful conversation, personal reflection, and collaborative problem solving. 

If you are seeking a keynote speaker, personal coaching, or a facilitator to lead staff development, reach out to Kathy to see how her expertise can meet your learning needs.

Kathy conference speaker

Professional Background

I have been an educator for over 30 years, pursuing growth and contribution. Each new opportunity extended my circle of influence and led to deeper understanding of the education system and the various levels of impact: classroom, school, school authority, and system. Through Kanopy Consulting, I offer skills and insights gleaned from the following experiences:

  • Adjunct Professor for the University of Portland in Edmonton, Alberta: teaching graduate students in pusuit of educational leadership.

  • System Leader for Alberta Education: working with superintendents and senior staff to promote continuous improvement.

  • Principal with Edmonton Public Schools: led two elementary schools through significant transitions.

  • Consultant with Edmonton Public Schools in Special Education, Assessment, and Resource Development.

  • High school teacher of Math and Science: delighted in working with students who struggled to succeed-building their capacity for learning.

“I find Kathy to be an incredibly conscientious and compassionate educator. She is thoughtful about what and how we learn. I appreciated her efforts to ensure our learning experiences were impactful and relevant. I also appreciate that she was always taking stock of the emotional state of her students. She made learning feel safe.”

Leanne Aura, Former Graduate Student

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