Kathi
Valeii
Writing
Kathi is an editor and writer, covering health, parenting, and inequality—often the intersection of these things. She writes essays, reported features, and creative nonfiction.
Her work has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Rolling Stone, CNN, Vice, ESPN, HuffPost, Talk Poverty, and dozens of other places. In 2018, her reporting for Pacific Standard Magazine on driver's education was featured on American Public Media's Marketplace.
Kathi has been regularly invited to talk about freelance journalism for Southwest Michigan Second Wave Community Correspondent Academy. And she has facilitated discussions with journalism delegates from Colleagues International on building digital literacy and media responsibility in democracies.
"I strive to do more than tell a story. I believe that good writing done well fosters empathy, expands our understanding of the world, and acts as a catalyst for change."
Kathi's Writing
New York Times
Watching the Pandemic Steal Intimate Moments From Teenagers
I’m afraid of holding a tight line of protection and having it snap under the weight of my almost-adult kid’s frustration.
New York Times
The School Conference Blues
As much as parents want to know about areas that our children are struggling in, we're also wondering what teachers like about them.
New York Times
Watching the Pandemic Steal Intimate Moments From Teenagers
I’m afraid of holding a tight line of protection and having it snap under the weight of my almost-adult kid’s frustration.
Washington Post
Why I’m helping my teen, even though conventional wisdom says I should step back
Collecting his things, folding his clothes, making his lunch feels attentive and healing, like placing stitches over the torn and rough spots.
Washington Post
Why I’m helping my teen, even though conventional wisdom says I should step back
Collecting his things, folding his clothes, making his lunch feels attentive and healing, like placing stitches over the torn and rough spots.
Washington Post
Parenting a struggling teenager is devastatingly lonely. It doesn’t have to be.
When your teen is struggling, it's easy to feel isolated. But reaching out to other parents can provide crucial support and understanding.
Rolling Stone
Kent State, Jackson State Survivors Talk Student Activism
Nearly 50 years ago, the violence of Kent State and Jackson State birthed a generation of activists. Here's what they can teach us today.
Rolling Stone
Driving High: The Search for a Pot Breathalyzer
With marijuana becoming legal in more states, law enforcement seeks new ways to test for intoxication on the road.
CNN
Teachers and students shouldn't be Covid-19 experiments in the fall
In an ideal world, opening schools is what everyone wants, sure. But this isn't an ideal world and it certainly won't be in a few weeks' time.
CNN
Teachers and students shouldn’t be Covid-19 experiments in the fall
In an ideal world, opening schools is what everyone wants, sure. But this isn't an ideal world and it certainly won't be in a few weeks' time.
Pacific Standard
ARE ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILLS HARMING MORE THAN THEY’RE HELPING?
Some teachers have reported being shot with pellet guns and experiencing ongoing trauma after the drills, yet the effectiveness of the training is unproven.
Work With Kathi
Commission Kathi at kathivaleii at gmail dot com