Cate was a professional colleague and a friend to many of us. She was firm and clear about what she expected of those she supervised, but she also showed much patience and willingness to work with those who wanted to grow. She always struck a good balance between being a good friend, supervisor, and mentor. 

As professionals and colleagues, we experienced Cate as many of you did. Cate was a true life force and a wonderful person. She was a gem and a good friend to her colleagues. She had such inspiring energy and her infectious smile brightened up the room. Cate was warm, an inspiration, and incredibly resourceful, able even to share the latest findings in research. She was indeed a mentor and guiding light to many. 

She was a lovely person full of life and always ready to help her colleagues in case consultations, even at a moment’s notice. She was fair and wise, loved by all for her infectious laughter and boundless energy. She was a kind and gentle soul. 

Cate had this special way of laughing through very challenging moments. Even during her illness, she powered through by working, and attending conferences and workshops. She would also find a way to take care of herself during these moments by colouring in her adult colouring book. She was always carrying it around with her collection of colouring pencils. She would then share her completed masterpieces. 

Just the other day, in mid-2023, she said she had discovered a lump and had to see a doctor. She took her illness in stride and kept working and attending to the various aspects of her life that needed attending. This included her dedication to contributing and participating in organising, training, and attending general EMDR meetings. She continued to attend meetings and offer supervision when she could. She helped with trainings and workshops and never relinquished her leadership role, even through her darkest days. She continued to work with clients until December 2024, when she agreed to take a complete rest! 

Despite all her challenges, she still dedicated time to helping colleagues, EMDR supervisees, and EMDR Kenya. She even found humour amid the discomfort or frustration encountered. She would cry at one moment and then laugh very heartily and genuinely at the next moment about her situation. 

We remember going to JJ McCarthy House in November 2024 to book for the last workshop of the year. She had difficulty going up the stairs but still came up and allowed one of us to drive her green car. We watched her struggle to sign the cheque but admired how much of an effort she made to drive just to make a booking for an EMDR workshop. But that is who she was – so giving, kind, joyous, funny, genuine, gorgeous, and always dedicated to EMDR Kenya. 

Cate’s colleagues on the EMDR Africa Exec Committee and Council thank her for her years of time and hard work contributing to the growth of EMDR on the continent. She will never be forgotten. EMDR Kenya Association has started an educational scholarship fund in Cate’s name to honour lifelong commitment to learning. This fund will assist with expenses for training and resource building in Kenya.

Cate, we will deeply miss the many things you were to our EMDR community. You leave a gigantic void behind that we can never fill. You were a teacher, colleague, friend, mentor, and supervisor to us. We will miss your ability to experience joy and express it through your laughter and your ability to eat life with a big spoon. 

When people transition into another world, we wish them to rest in peace. We feel peace would be too boring for you. May you rest in joy, laughter, and fun and dance with the angels. As we say in EMDR, go with that girl…go with that!