Cate holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from The University of Texas at Austin. After beginning her career in arts management as a former ballet and modern dancer, she transitioned into consulting with a boutique telecommunications firm.
The sudden loss of her parents inspired her to pursue law, leading her to attend Quinnipiac University School of Law as a night student, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. During law school, Cate earned numerous honors, including induction into Phi Delta Phi legal honor society, and was awarded The John L. Hanny Memorial Scholarship, The Sandra and Martin Lax Endowed Scholarship, and Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards in Civil Procedure I, Mediation, Healthcare Compliance Law, and Representing Clients. She also earned a Mediation Certificate and was selected by the faculty for the Superior Classroom Performance award.
As a dedicated and compassionate attorney, Cate specializes in estate planning, probate, elder law, and real estate. In 2024, she was recognized by Lawyers of Distinction for her exceptional work in Estate Planning Law. Cate is an active member of the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce and the Connecticut Bar Association’s Trust and Estates and Elder Law sections. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Healing Hoofbeats, a nonprofit that helps individuals, families, and veterans heal from trauma through Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. As of October 2024, Cate is also the Co-Chair of the Membership Committee for the CT Chapter of NAELA (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys).
Cate lives in Wethersfield with her husband, three boys, and two dogs, Abby and Mia. Her proudest achievement is giving birth to her third son during her last semester of law school, (although she does not recommend this!)