Hi! I'm Catherine, creator and host of Rocking and Reading with Mizz KT! I'm an educator, performer, and songwriter who loves finding creative ways to make learning stick. Fun fact: before creating Rocking and Reading, I spent years performing in children's theater, touring across the country, and even creating my own puppet shows. Music and storytelling have always been at the heart of what I do.

What inspired you to create children's content?

I've always believed that learning should feel joyful. After spending years teaching young children, I saw firsthand how much movement, music, and imagination helped them learn. When I discovered the Science of Reading, I became fascinated by how children actually learn to read. I wanted to combine evidence-based literacy instruction with the energy and excitement of a live performance. That's how Rocking and Reading was born.

What made you say yes to joining Bright Bees Kids?

I love that Bright Bees Kids is building a space dedicated to high-quality, educational content for children. It's exciting to be part of a platform that values learning while also celebrating creativity and curiosity. I'm grateful for the opportunity to introduce even more families to Rocking and Reading.

What do you hope children and families gain from watching your show?

More than anything, I hope children walk away believing, "I'm a Rockstar Reader!" Reading can feel intimidating for some children, but I want them to discover that learning to read is something they can enjoy and feel proud of. I also hope families find simple ways to sing, dance, and learn together because some of the best learning happens when it's shared.

What was your favorite children's book growing up, or what is your favorite children's book now?

Growing up, my favorite book was The Wizard of Oz. I loved how Dorothy helped each of her friends discover the strengths they already had inside them. I also loved that it's considered America's fairy tale, and I still enjoy all of the different versions that have grown from it, from The Wiz to Wicked.

Today, my favorite children's book is Giraffes Can't Dance. Gerald doesn't fail because he's a bad dancer. He just hasn't found the music that fits him yet. That story really resonates with me. I've discovered that I'm not always great at doing the same "dance" as everyone else, but I love creating my own. As an educator and creator, that's something I hope every child discovers too: there's more than one way to shine, and sometimes you just need to find the rhythm that's right for you.