When you ask NCJFCJ Program Manager Catherine Lowe how long she’s worked for the Council, her answer is “about seven years or so.” But when you ask how long she’s been a part of the Council family—as a student, a consultant, a faculty person, an employee, a supporter, and a donor—even Cathy seems amazed at the total: 26 years.

Just as Cathy’s history with the Council has been a varied one, her career has run the gamut in the field of juvenile justice, giving her what she calls a “360-degree view” of the field. In Nevada, she’s served as Director of Probation Services in Las Vegas, Director of the State Health Division in Carson City, and Director of Health and Mental Health for the Nevada Department of Prisons. According to Cathy, “I have been involved in the field from prevention to prison and I have a definite bias toward prevention.”

Judicial education has a special appeal for her, however. “I learned wonderful things at the Council about judicial education,” she says, which prepared her well for her position as Chief Judicial Educator for California’s Center for Judicial Education and Research, a post she held for nearly eight years.

“Education has long been acknowledged as the touchstone to change people’s lives . . .  I think that’s the most important role in society today,” says Cathy. “I’m a great supporter of education, and the opportunity to participate in it for the courts is a great gift.”

Cathy’s interest in writing and theater led her early on to help troubled kids find their way. After college, she was waiting to go to law school when she became involved in directing a children’s theatre. “It came to me that every one of those children had a beautiful gift to express and they just needed one moment of their own to shine,” she says. “Afterwards, I saw the opportunity to facilitate by getting involved in juvenile court services.”

Cathy’s commitment to prevention makes her work at NCJFCJ in the area of graduated sanctions and implementation of the Juvenile Delinquency Guidelines a natural—both projects focus on improving outcomes for troubled kids. “I think that the role of the juvenile justice system and the judges that we work with is to create an environment in which change can happen—positive change for kids and families.”

 “I have a 360-degree view of the field,” Cathy says. “I’ve been in it for a long time, and I have a vision for the future and the courts sharing decision-making power with those who interact with them on behalf of kids and families. I think that’s begun in the graduated sanctions and JDG arenas and many others.”

Cathy’s 360-degree life extends to her very full personal life as well – she’s married to John Macdonald, a consultant and retired engineer with the Highway Department, and her daughter Adriene, an accomplished singer, has three young sons. The theatre is still one of Cathy’s passions, as is writing poetry. But she’s recently managed to fit in one more interest: owning a gift shop and restaurant in St. Joseph, Mo. During a visit earlier this year to “St. Jo,” a Graduated Sanctions demonstration site, Cathy fell in love with a charming 105-year-old house with a small restaurant and gift shop. When she later heard it was for sale, she bought it over the phone. Like “a kid in a candy shop,” she’s having lots of fun supplying the shop with beautiful things. 

Cathy’s efforts on behalf of NCJFCJ and court-involved children and families don’t end when the day is done: Cathy is a longstanding and generous donor. When asked why she supports NCJFCJ financially, she says, “I have strong feelings about the giants in the field who have gone before us and strong feelings about a legacy for those who will follow. That’s why I give. It’s out of respect for those who have made a difference in my professional life and those who will in the future for others.”

Cathy hopes others will also make a special effort to support NCJFCJ. “I think a membership organization is a two-way street. You derive many benefits and it’s an opportunity for members to give back.”

To join Cathy in supporting NCJFCJ's efforts, please click here.