Katelyn (Kt) Walker
Accomplished at an Early Age
Launch the media gallery 1 playerKatelyn Walker, who goes by Kt (Ms. Walker to you if you’re a student) is one of our newest additions to the Kankakee Area Career Center (KACC). Kt took the position of Engineering and Design Instructor in January 2020 on a substitute basis and sure enough, became a full-time instructor in August 2020.
TeamKACC first because familiar with Kt when she was a student here at KACC through Manteno High School. She joins the ranks of many other instructors here who are also KACC alumni. We are always delighted to see them return to prepare students for tomorrow.
Since graduating Manteno/KACC in 2011, Katelyn not only earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, she also earned a plethora of awards and Fellowships and maintains professional memberships with the American Institute of Architects, Door and Hardware Institute, and Construction Specifications Institute memberships
Kt knows the value of working hard and continuing her education. She was an Architecture intern at Stromsland De Young Prybys Architecture Group, Inc where she reviewed architectural plans for compliance inaccessibility.
Prior to that position, she was a Specification Consultant at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions. Here she gained experience-writing specifications while guiding their clients in gaining product knowledge, fire code, life-safety code and accessibility.
Kt’s love of animals has brought her to part-time work over the years. She was the Shelter Manager at New Beginnings for Cats, worked on remodeling for Petco, and was a Trail Guide at the Kankakee State Park Riding Stables.
Kt also has a long history of volunteering for a young person. She has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Saluki Service Dogs, Everyone Cares Camp, New Beginnings and Kankakee State Park Riding Stables. She continues to spend her free time with professional groups such as AIA (American Institute of Architects Eastern Illinois Chapter), CSI (Construction Specifications Institute Chicago Chapter) and DHI (Door Hardware Institute).
In her free time, Kt enjoys hiking, sketching, horseback riding and car shows. She loves spending time with family, friends and animals. Fun fact: Her favorite food is pizza and Resse’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Kt says she comes to KACC each day “excited to see all the things I can learn from teaching this class and from my wonderful students.” Never lose that excitement and enthusiasm Kt!