A wife and mother, Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt is a poetry and prose writer residing in Western Prince William County where she enjoys exploring history, art, culture and nature. An advocate for preservation, conservation and civic engagement, Gotthardt volunteers for several non-profit organizations. She is a freelance, community writer for News & Messenger newspaper and has authored Poems from the Battlefield, a collection of Civil War themed poetry, quotes and photos. Gotthardt also teaches college English composition and ESOL for adults.