About Kathleen

Kathleen Rude fell in love with the natural world as a young child and found her voice for environmental activism at age 10. She has a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology and a Master of Science in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan. Kathleen began her career as an environmental writer, a profession she embraced for 15 years.

She was raised liberal Lutheran in a household steeped in Jungian psychology. Both traditions continue to inspire and guide her life and work. She was initiated by Blackfoot, Northern Ute and Lakota elders into indigenous spiritual practices and studied core shamanism with Betsy Bergstrom and Sandra Ingerman. She is a shamanic practitioner, teacher and ceremonial leader and a member of the Society for Shamanic Practice.

She was mentored by Joanna Macy, internationally acclaimed eco-philosopher and root teacher of the Work That Reconnects. They continue to share a close friendship. Kathleen is a senior facilitator of The Work That Reconnects, leading workshops in person and online. She serves as a Weaver in the Work That Reconnects Network. She has created A Guided Self-Practice of The Work That Reconnects (42 minutes), available as a digital download.

Kathleen is the author of the novel, The Redemption of Red Fire Woman, a spiritual story of suspense and romance in the Colorado high country. She is currently working on a new book, How To Be An Every Day Difference Maker.

She is a board member of Nuclear Energy Information Service, a nuclear power watchdog organization, opposing nuclear power and promoting sustainable renewable energy.

Kathleen loves to sing, dance, hike with her longhair German Shepherd, garden, explore, marvel, celebrate and nap.