About Me

Why Host a Fundraising Auction?

I believe in the transformative power of community. As a benefit auctioneer, I find joy in the moment when a room full of generous donors understand their collective power to make a difference.

Let’s invite your donors to be part of something extraordinary.

Thank you card from a child - An illustration of a child holding a shovel on the left and a sweet thank you message on the right.
Auctioneering at Agriculture Day

There’s no better way to learn than to teach | Agriculture Day at Jim Darcy Elementary School

I know what I’m doing.

Understanding nonprofit fundraising is incredibly important for me to successfully contribute to your event. That’s why I’ve put so much time and intention behind my own education. This experience allows me to bring important industry knowledge to your organization!

Grad of Western

BAS

PRI Grad

Instructor at Western

Member: MAA & NAA

Logo - Western College of Auctioneering

Instructor at Western College of Auctioneering

National Auction Association Badge for Benefit Auction Specialist

Certified Benefit Auction Specialist by the NAA

Logo - Montana Auctioneers Association

Shaping the auction landscape across MT

Logo - National Auction Association

Professional network of auction professionals

Graduating class photo at the Western College of Auctioneering

Graduate of Western College of Auctioneering | Class 256

Group photo - Certified Benefit Auction Specialist from the National Auction Association (2024)

2024 | Certified Benefit Auction Specialist from the National Auction Association

Group photo - graduating class for advanced bid calling seminar at Western College of Auctioneering

Mastering the Craft with the Advanced Bid Calling Seminar at Western College

Hand-drawn thank you card from a child that says "$340,000 for a shovel? Thanks for coming to ag day"

Always a Purpose

Behind every bid is a mission worth fighting for.

Benefit auctions aren’t just flashy events – they work. The magic happens when when generosity, strategy, and storytelling collide. When done right, a benefit auction doesn’t just raise money, it fuels momentum, builds community, and moves your mission forward.

Katya loving life in Australia
Katya smiling with friends at a mountain sunset photoshoot
Katya snuggling with her cat, Minerva McGonagall

Outside the Benefit Auction World

I graduated from Montana State University with a degree in marketing and management. I spent five years as the speaker coordinator for TEDxBozeman and while working in tourism marketing, I’ve fallen deeply in love with Big Sky Country.

Things I love:

Craft coffee, small-batch whiskey, and road trips fuel my soul. When I’m traveling, my cat Minerva (yes, McGonagall) holds down the homestead. Nothing captures my heart quite like the Two Medicine Valley in Glacier National Park, and when I’m not working you’ll find me taking every opportunity to go camping, hiking, or kayaking. And I truly believe that storytelling is what brings us all together.

I’ll bring my energy to your event:

Getting to celebrate alongside your organization is an absolute privilege! While your largest fundraising event of the year can be incredibly stressful behind the scenes, I see my role as carrying the energy of the room and celebrating the remarkable generosity of your donors.

Ready to Elevate Your Next Event?

Whether you’re planning your first auction or aiming to elevate your event, let’s chat about how we can create powerful moments of giving together. Reach out today – I’d love to be part of your success!