Kathryn Carpenter serves as the Director of Children’s Programming and Community Relations at Ascendance, overseeing daily operations, community development, volunteer opportunities, and year-round camp programming. She has created and developed a wide range of successful children’s programs that blend dance, expressive arts, and enrichment, including the Half Day program and monthly Parent’s Night Out events.

Kathryn is passionate about giving back to the community. She leads Ascendance’s annual food, clothing, and toy drive and spearheads fundraising efforts for Safe Passage through the Hot Chocolate Run. Under her leadership, the studio has raised more than $15,000 for Safe Passage and earned a top-10 team ranking twice. She has also helped build partnerships with local organizations, connecting the studio to community events. For adults, Kathryn launched Ascendance’s Latin Night & Social Dance series, creating opportunities for connection through movement and music.

Kathryn grew up dancing at her hometown studio in Westfield. She credits dance with helping build the confidence that carried her through a decade-long career in radio and television broadcast journalism. Today, she feels fortunate to share the gift of dance with children and give back to the community through the art form that has given her so much.

Kathryn lives in Florence with her husband, John, their children, Jack and Grace, and their lovable pup, Ginger.