Kate is an author, speaker, former acclaimed actress and singer in the New York Broadway musical theatre world, and mother of Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli. Kate is convinced God has a wild, preposterous, secret, scary, or impossible dream just for you. It’s what she calls a God dare…because she’s learned that, with God, absolutely anything is possible. As a young actress in New York City, Kate was catapulted from understudy to leading lady with the role of Anna in the Broadway national tour of The King and I, co-starring opposite Yul Brynner for more than 1,000 performances. Kate and
her husband laid down their careers in the Broadway theatre world in answer to their first God dare—to move out of New York and into a life of homeschooling and home business. Kate is living proof that God can and will use anyone, if they’re willing. She’s experienced infertility, miscarriage, an abortion at age 18, and four failed adoption attempts…all of which wreaked havoc on her life. Kate’s goal is to see men and women become all that God has created them to be—and she believes each of us is here to change the world. Kate is in demand to speak at workshops, churches, and convention and conference settings, inspiring others to let Jesus pick their future. A natural encourager, Kate believes none of us are here by accident, but we are here to change the world. Kate lives in Franklin, Tennessee, near Francesca’s growing family. She’s been married to her husband and business partner, Mike, for 36 years and loves being near their daughter, son-in-law, and five amazing grandchildren.
The Empty Nest Afterparty: Mom Is Not Your Only Name
Your children are growing up, and before you know it, they’ll leave the nest. The years of love, sacrifice, cooking, cleaning, disciplining, and nurturing will come to an unceremonious end sooner than you think. This is your invitation to Act Two—the Afterparty of the Empty Nest—because “Mom” isn’t your only name. Now is the time to prepare for the day they spread their wings, leaving you to wonder, “What’s next?” Kate will share practical steps to revive the dreams and visions you set aside while helping your children achieve theirs. If we’re doing it right, we’re preparing them to leave—because they do! Motherhood, at its core, is a journey of letting go. And now, it’s curtain up on Act Two.
Bridging Generations: Mentoring as a Titus 2 Woman
In the American church, there is a significant gap between generations. If you are an older woman, you may feel disconnected and irrelevant to the younger generation. If you are a younger woman, you may feel isolated, navigating life as best you can, but yearning for guidance from someone who has experienced it all. Kate will encourage your heart, provide strategies to foster connection, and offer creative ways to bridge the generational divide. None of us has it all figured out, but together we can live full and meaningful lives—lives that mutually bless one another and dispel fear and intimidation. The generations need each other, for we are far more powerful united than apart.
Growing Great Kids: Cultivating God’s Purpose in Your Child’s Life
Successful adults don’t happen by accident. Raising children to become adults with a strong sense of their destiny in God, a passion to serve Him, and a deep understanding of their gifts and callings requires intentional effort. Parents know their children better than anyone, and by partnering with God, they can equip them to fulfill all He has called and created them to be.
Kate outlines ten intentional steps she took to raise her daughter, Grammy Award–winning Christian recording artist Francesca Battistelli, into a woman who loves the Lord and boldly pursues His calling for her life.
