April Member Spotlight: Katie Hansen

What do you do for work and what is your slash (aka what do you do in your free time)?

I am an Administrative Professional/Tango dancer at Tango Helena/dabbler in clay at the Archie Bray Center/book club member at the Montana Book Company and occasional latin/swing dancer at Last Dance Gulch.

How did you land in Helena?

I am from Minnesota originally. I spent a few years in Denver after college where I was an AmeriCorps volunteer and came to Helena to try something new and get to know my roots (my parents are from Helena and most of my extended family is from Montana).

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received – career-related or otherwise?

I believe it's a Mr. Rogers' quote that I was recently introduced to - "It's virtually impossible to dislike someone once you get to know them." I think that speaks to the fact that when we take the time to understand what stories have shaped each of us to our present selves, there is always an opportunity to find empathy in shared humanity.

When do you feel the most yourself?

Probably when I am in the moment, discovering something new in a creative endeavor or a good conversation.

Where is the last place you explored and where do you want to explore next?

Last summer I took a solo drive out to Lewis and Clark caverns which were pretty awesome. This year my goal is to do some hiking in Montana's national parks which I've only driven through once or twice and check out more natural hot springs.

Tell us something about yourself that we didn’t ask:

I've never imagined myself as a small town person, but I've discovered some wonderful things in Helena. There are a lot of great people here and great things to be involved in. Sometimes it takes a little looking, but there are gems.