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WRITTEN BY HEATHER ROTHBAUER-WANISH
Katie Hartsough, a kindergarten teacher at St. Charles Borromeo Primary School in Chippewa Falls, has kept the five Fs at the top of her priorities; and they have taken her places she never expected. As a teacher, mother, friend, and runner, Katie understands the importance of making time for what matters most. It’s been a long and exciting journey, where Katie has learned that, sometimes, right back where you started is right where you belong.
Faith
When Katie was a child, her mother made sure the family attended weekly mass. And Katie did the same when she had a family of her own. With adulthood and parenthood came tests of Katie’s faith, “The times I questioned my faith helped me to become closer to God. I would question, and then I would pray, and then God was there for me. I believe now that I just wasn’t always listening, looking, or praying.” With faith, Katie has conquered many trials in her life. When she was going through a divorce, she followed the plan God put on her heart, even though it meant leaving her life in Appleton and returning to Chippewa Falls for family support. “Have faith when you don’t feel like having faith. I believe that is when you need it most,” she advises.
In her Catholic school kindergarten class, Katie has the opportunity to direct her students toward discovering their own faith, “They look to me during the school day to help them figure out the awesome mysteries of God.” What a humbling honor.
Family
Katie’s family holds a special place in her heart; and she especially appreciates her children: Sam, Alexandria, and Amelia. Finding time to spend with them can be difficult; so Katie makes a point to take her children on “Mom adventures.” In addition, Katie’s extended family takes an annual week-long summer trip to Hayward, Wisconsin. Katie has been vacationing in Hayward since she was child and plans to continue the tradition for many years.
Friends
Katie’s friends are dotted across Wisconsin, and some of her closest friends are family. She’ll always treasure her friends in Appleton and Oshkosh who selflessly helped her through struggles, “We laughed together, ran together, talked about our kids together, traveled together, supported each other, and sometimes cried together. I am pretty lucky to have experienced such great friendships.” Now that she’s living in Chippewa Falls again, she has made new friends and rekindled past friendships. Her sisters, Jen and Briana, are her very best friends, and they—along with her mom, brother Doug, and brothers-in-law Jon and Kevin—have been incredibly supportive.
Fitness
Fitness started for Katie at an early age. Her mother is a life-long runner and a running role model to the Hartsough girls. Katie ran track and cross-country in high school, and she has been running ever since. When Katie’s mom qualified for the Boston Marathon in her forties, she inspired Katie to follow in her footsteps. Katie has run the Boston Marathon twice, along with several other marathons. With a tight schedule and not-so-accommodating Wisconsin weather, Katie has struggled to make time for fitness, but a YMCA membership (and an understanding of fitness benefits) motivates her. Reveals Katie, “If I make the time, I am more energized, think more clearly, and actually get more accomplished even though the workout takes time out of my day.” Katie credits running for keeping her mentally strong; while she runs, she develops creative teaching ideas, prays, or listens to her favorite music.
Finance
Although Katie admits that she is far from an expert on finance, she has learned many valuable lessons from her own experiences, like “living simply and modestly causes much less stress than worrying about elaborate expenses” and “it is important to save whenever possible.” Focusing on needs instead of wants keeps her gaze on the important things in life, especially giving. Katie’s motto—give help to others always—reflects her belief that there’s always opportunity for giving. She is grateful for all she has, and giving helps her appreciate her blessings.
Katie has great memories from her childhood; and after moving back to the area, she can’t wait to see what more God has in store for her, “I truly believe God has a plan for each one of us, and this was part of my plan. It wasn’t necessarily going to be an easy plan, but I felt in my heart that this was the path I needed to take.”
“Have faith when you don’t feel like having faith. I believe that is when you need it most.”
Photo credit: Jill Chumas Photography
