We are all connected
New Backwater
Hi! I'm Kat Peters.
I have a Master's in Education and a Master's in Territorial Rural Development, and I have worked for nearly two decades helping individuals and groups connect with people and places that are different from them. On this webpage and on Facebook I share simple tools adapted from social science and popular education that I have successfully used with study abroad students in Costa Rica to equip you to engage with this world and think through hard questions you might have.
I hope that you find ideas and perspectives here for making connections between the US and Latin America, for finding balance by leveraging tools of the past with lessons of the present, and for achieving transformation to make the world a better place. I'm trying to work on these things every day, and I'm grateful you're sharing that journey with me.
Explore my site to see some of my publications, as well as recent and current projects that seek to shed light on the connections between the Midwest and Central America. Find resources from my friends for Costa Rican home cooking, connecting with your environment, and learning Spanish. Check out my blog for weekly thoughts and stories from Costa Rica and the Midwest. You can also contact me to learn more, or to talk about ways that I can help you or your organization connect and reflect.
Combining the old and new of the Americas in order to connect with nature, with others, and with ourselves, for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world.
Current and Recent Projects
Multigenerational trip to Costa Rica
I am working with a local church to take a vision trip to Costa Rica in 2023, to learn more about climate change and refugees, and to practice community service in a mutual way with our partners in Costa Rica. Yes, there will also be time at the beach. If you are interested in going to Costa Rica to learn with a group of yours, I may be able to help!
Coffee Creek Farmers Market
Starting in 2022, I am the In-Season Market Manager for the Coffee Creek Farmers Market on 178 E. Sidewalk Rd, Chesterton Indiana. Come see us on Wednesdays from 3-7 PM and participate in your local food system.
Urban Gardens, 2021
Together with Casa Adobe and the Praxis Center in Costa Rica, and Living Green Gardens in Portage, IN, we are supporting urban gardens for health, climate impact, and community wellbeing.
World Cultural Festival
Together with Yaggy Road Roasting Company in Valparaiso and the Praxis Center in Costa Rica, we are celebrating Costa Rican culture at the World Cultural Festival in Valparaiso on Sept. 19, 2021.
Winter Sowing Workshop
Ready for spring? Did you know you can start your seeds early with minimal effort and items you would probably throw away? Did you know you can grow greens almost all winter? I partner with the Calumet Artist Residency, Living Green Garden, and the Indiana University Northwest Theatre Department to introduce the concept of winter sowing and making a low tunnel to extend your growing season.
Learning about Gary
In September, 2021, I was able to do a walking tour of Gary, IN, to learn about the history of the city. One presenter was Korry Shepard, historian and writer of Gary history. We're going to have some conversations in 2022 to talk more about the importance of knowing our history.
World Migratory
Bird Day
With Katrina Martich (in the US), David Norman, and Gabriel Vargas (in Costa Rica), we inspire and equip you to find 5 migratory bird species in your community.
Online programs
I have been teaching cross-cultural courses to university students, groups and individuals for over a decade. I would love to know if I can help you or your group with an online program. Please let me know if you are interested!
Presentations
I have presented to universities, faith communities, and community organizations on my work.
Publications
My writing and co-authored writing has been published in academic journals in the US and in Costa Rica, and as a chapter in a book.
Professional
I led my study abroad organization to be recognized by the Forum on Education Abroad as meeting the Standard of Good Practice in Education Abroad
Pedagogy
In my university courses, I value not just what students learn, but how we all learn together. I love the tradition of Popular Education in both Latin America and the US.