A Woman of Many Hats
Kathy is a motivational speaker, teacher, mentor, pianist, sports fan, and avid reader of mysteries. While her vision has declined to nearly total blindness with only light perception remaining, she has sought to build her life around principles of faith, creativity, and adventure. She has savored countless experiences that might have been out of reach without her inborn drive for personal growth. She competed as a gymnast in two national championships for the blind, spent five weeks in Russia as part of a disabled exchange group, climbed mountains in the Sierra Nevada range, distance-bicycled through three states in two weeks, ran with the Olympic torch in 1996, and swam with dolphins in a therapy center in the Florida Keys. Along the way, Kathy also joined the world of guide dog users. Nimmer's life has been one of victory and sorrow, mirroring that of disabled and non-disabled individuals alike. She looks forward to serving you in her continued pursuit of helping others find and sustain hope.
2015 Indiana Teacher of the Year and National Teacher of the Year Finalist
Kathy earned her BA in English Education from Trinity Christian College in 1991 and her MA from Purdue University in 1992. She taught English at Harrison High School in West Lafayette for 29 years where she designed and directed SEEDS, a mentorship program for new educators which recently received the 2024 Excellence in Leading and Learning Award from the state of Indiana.
Awards
Among many honors, Kathy has received the Dollywood Foundation's Chasing Rainbows award, the NFB's Blind Educator of the Year Award, and the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest civilian honor in Indiana. A full list of Kathy's achievements and honors can be found via the website menu in the upper right hand corner of your screen under "Awards & Honors".
Motivational Speaker & Writer
Kathy delivered a TED Talk in 2014. She has also authored two books: Two Plus Four Equals One: Celebrating the Partnership of People with Disabilities and Their Assistance Dogs, and Minutes in the Dark, Eternity in the Light.
A full list of Kathy's involvement as a motivational speaker can be found via the website menu in the upper right hand corner of your screen under "Past Events".