Cate is a writer/director with award-winning feature screenplays and short films, including the national wildcard-winning Lionsgate/WIF short "Masque,” which also earned her a directing award at the Crystal & Lucy’s. As a director selectee for the Alliance of Women Directors Short Film Program grant, “Of Mine” recently premiered at Disney Animation Studios. Her current film, "The Plumber" is on the fest circuit now, having won the grand jury award at its first screening. She is a fellow and the Future Directors of Studio Features Initiative Director at Blackmagic Collective for 2021. Previously, she served ten years as a decorated military police officer and instructor, and transitioned to Intelligence during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, with an additional six years spent as a civilian detective. This "spectrum of humanity" experience helped define her focus in adventure/suspense narrative films: with unconventional characters in extraordinary circumstances, and bold accompanying visuals. She has volunteered for Glass Elevator, Blackmagic Collective, and the Alliance of Women Directors, and is passionate about creating well-balanced, inclusive sets that enable crew members to gain experience and learn from others.

Personally, Cate has a great respect for people from all walks of life, after growing up in trailer parks or her mother’s car, and having to turn down a partial scholarship for acting/film to get her tuition paid by the military. She holds a Bachelor of Science in both Psychology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in drama, which she earned simultaneously, while working full time as a detective. Throughout her 15 years in law enforcement and the military, she was a highly-decorated and distinguished leader, instructor, and award recipient and always knew she would be returning to film and television - her true passion. Having traveled to 14 countries, and living in Europe for 3.5 years, she also has an appreciation, love for, and exposure to culture and the outdoors.