Published on August 15, 2024
Since graduating from Hunter Valley Grammar School in 2004, Kathryn (Katie) Wallin has embarked on an enriching and diverse journey that has taken her across the globe and into the hearts of the families she has served. Immediately after school, Katie travelled to China for a year, where she taught English and explored the remarkable culture. This adventure not only broadened her horizons but also allowed her to forge lifelong friendships with people she met along the way. Today, Katie along with her fiancée and rescue greyhound, call a cozy apartment in Sydney’s Inner-West, ho
me.
Katie’s career path has been as varied as her experiences. After initially studying Commercial Photography and working as a post-production manager, she found her true calling in childcare. What began as retraining for a new career unexpectedly led her into the world of professional nannying – a role she has embraced for over 11 years. Katie’s work as a nanny is not just a job, but a passion. She values long-term relationships with the families she works with, growing alongside the children she cares for. For Katie, there is no greater joy than nurturing a child’s development and helping them discover their sense of self and belonging.
Outside of her career, Katie is deeply passionate about animal advocacy, a commitment that aligns with her long-term vegan lifestyle. She strives to live compassionately, making choices that reflect her values. Her home wouldn’t be complete without ClancyPants, her 10-year-old rescue greyhound. Once a racing dog who endured cruelty, ClancyPants now enjoys a life of leisure, comfort, and love. Katie’s involvement in the rescue greyhound community even sparked a new hobby – sewing and selling greyhound pyjamas. Seeing her creations worn by greyhounds around Sydney fills her with joy, knowing these dogs are now living lives free from harm.
One thing people may not know about Katie is her love for adventure. After one of the last COVID lockdowns, she and her partner, along with ClancyPants, spent a year traveling around Australia in a van. This journey allowed them to witness the most breathtaking night skies and sparked a new interest in learning Spanish. Their dedication to the language will come in handy next April when they head to Las Vegas to be married by Elvis, followed by a month at a Spanish language school in Guatemala and four months exploring South America. Katie and her partner are incredibly excited about this next chapter, filled with love, learning, and new experiences.
Katie’s fondest memories from HVGS revolve around creativity and friendships. Whether spending hours in the darkroom, participating in school musicals, working on projects in Design & Technology, or losing herself in Drama, these experiences, shared with her “ridiculously fun” friends, left a lasting impact. The playfulness and creativity of those years continue to inspire her today.
Reflecting on her time in high school, Katie would tell her younger self to embrace silliness. While others might criticize her for not being serious, she believes that playfulness brings immense joy to life. It allows one to focus on what truly matters while letting go of what doesn’t. This light-heartedness is something Katie cherishes, and it continues to bring joy to her and those around her.