MK Bartholomew Geismar

Mary Katherine (MK) Bartholomew Geismar is a Nashville native and graduate of Harpeth Hall and Sewanee: University of the South. She holds a Masters in Teaching from Belmont University, and taught preschool through third grade at several charter schools in Nashville, including KIPP Kirkpatrick Elementary and Purpose Prep.

MK and her husband, Jake, live in Nashville with their three daughters—ages 7, 4, and 1. MK has always been passionate about education and providing high-quality learning environments for all children, but her parenting journey has led her to feel a personal connection to the mission of High Hopes.

In her words, “My middle daughter was born with abnormal folds on the left side of her brain. As she grew, she struggled to crawl, walk and speak. I felt lonely, ill-prepared and confused about how best to help her—which programs and aids to try. From this tiny taste of raising a child with challenges, I understand from a mother’s perspective the need for a community to support parents in navigating the world of child development and education. I only wish I had known about High Hopes.”

MK and her husband, Jake, live in Nashville with their three daughters—ages 7, 4, and 1. MK has always been passionate about education and providing high-quality learning environments for all children, but her parenting journey has led her to feel a personal connection to the mission of High Hopes.