Cathy commenced her professional life as a teacher and has worked in a variety of environments including education system leadership with the Archdiocese of Melbourne and the Diocese of Sandhurst; as a publisher and editor; and a leader of evangelisation for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In addition to an active involvement in parish life, Cathy is a member of the Sandhurst Catholic Early Education and Care and the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Board. She is a Member for the Australian Catholic Church Plenary Council.