Celebrating Our NASA Supermoms
Katherine Toon, Exploration Environmental Control and Life Support System Integration Manager, International Space Station Vehicle Office
Katherine Toon leads a team that works to improve International Space Station life support systems' reliability, size, and performance to enable exploration missions. Katherine’s favorite role at NASA has been the ability to view a project from all angles. She started work in Exploration Environmental Control as a project engineer developing spaceflight hardware. From there, she spent several years being a subsystem manager and subject matter expert. Now, Katherine is the Integration Manager at the ISS Vehicle Program Office. “It has been very special to be able to build my career in this stepping-stone manner,” she said.
"Not only does Katherine excel in her demanding job, but she also excels as a mom, raising two wonderful children who are curious and kind. She is an inspiration for working mothers in the way she manages to balance it all. Kate also takes the time to nurture her children's curiosities and help inspire them and their friends to learn and explore. She is definitely a supermom," said one of the individuals who nominated her.
"I hope to pass on to the Artemis Generation a set of life support systems that have improved over my time working for the ISS Program, which will allow the Artemis Generation to focus on the next set of challenges."
What is the most rewarding part about your job and being a mother for you personally?
The most rewarding part of my job has been coming to work and knowing I’m making a big difference in human spaceflight. The space industry is booming right now, and I’m so honored to be a part of it all. I hope that I inspire both of my kids to do what they love and know they are also making a difference with what they are doing.
How do you balance your work life and being a mom?
It’s a never-ending tightrope walk, which varies day to day. I believe it’s important to demonstrate to my kids that it’s important for me to have work goals and personal commitments outside of the family. What I think it boils down to is just being very intentional with my time to do things that need the time/effort. I think we are lucky that NASA’s culture really supports work-life balance, with family and kids being the priority.
Returning to work as a mother, has the way you worked changed?
Returning to work was certainly a change. During telework, I learned to multitask my life and ended up doing more for the kids than I ever had before. Removing the commute and normal kid activities freed up time, and that time went to focusing on them. Returning from telework rebalanced that rhythm, and while I miss that extra time with them, I’m grateful we had the time at all.
How does being a mother empower you and impact your work goals?
I feel like I’m always trying to maximize my time, at work and at home. Do more with less. Because of this, I feel like my time management and ability to adequately prioritize tasks have sharpened as a mother.
As a working mom, how have you been supported and what are effective ways to support working mothers?
Communication and listening. I feel like as a mother, and when I talk to other mothers, being a sounding board for the difficulties we all face in maintaining the daily balance is therapeutic. The idea of not being alone in dealing with the burdens of “how to do it all,” and understanding others’ special challenges helps with personal perspective. I think the more openly we talk about the sacrifices all working parents make, the more helpful it is.
What is your advice on how current working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce?
Like I stated earlier, I think our NASA culture is a special one. As working mothers, we have a lot of support from our teams here. But really advocating for yourself starts with leading by example of what you expect from others. For all parents, be sure to support other parents that want to “do it all,” and cover gaps as needed. This team mentality will support a culture of healthy work-life balance, which will be returned to you.
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Krista Stroh, Management and Program Analyst, Strategic Business Integration Office
Krista supports the International Space Station by developing strategic plans, performing cost estimates, analyzing schedules, monitoring project performance, and participating in the procurement process.
One of the individuals who nominated Krista says she is, “inspired by how she continues to persevere with caring for the team and caring for her children.”
"I’ve loved all the projects I’ve worked on for different reasons, but the International Space Station is currently home for me. The space station mission speaks to my heart. The team are like family, and the work delights me every day," said Krista.
Krista finds that the most rewarding part about her job is that she works in a place where she gets to be creative, analytical, and challenged, yet still have the flexibility to be present in her children’s lives. “I wasn’t always sure I’d be here and have the opportunity to do a job I love. So, serving as a role model for my kids and being able to help them navigate who they want to be is rewarding – challenging and rewarding."
"I hope we inspire a legacy filled with tenacity, compassion, and curiosity. While we’ve come a long way in our discoveries, there is so much left to learn. I hope the work we are doing now grows the foundation for all that this amazing next generation can build."
How do you balance your work life and being a mom?
Usually, with grace and gratitude - definitely not alone. Some days, we have a plan, and everything balances perfectly. Some days, we’re just winging it, and we need a little more grace. Along the way, I have learned the value of asking for help. We have a great support system both at home and here at work.
Returning to work as a mother, has the way you worked changed?
Motherhood is a lot of work, in and out of the home. Parenting provides insight into things such as how much of a person’s personality is developed early on. I can bring those insights into the workplace, which helps me to better appreciate an individual’s natural strengths and work to nurture that more.
How does being a mother empower you and impact your work goals?
Being a mom clarified my priorities and taught me how to be more forgiving, more empathic, more self-aware, and a bit more fearless. I found learning those things to be both humbling and empowering, not only for myself, but also in terms of what I can give to others. So, for my personal goals, those have evolved and shifted for the better.
As a working mom, how have you been supported and what are effective ways to support working mothers?
I think the pandemic really opened everyone's eyes to how much working moms do on a daily basis as well as how challenging balancing everything can be. One of the most effective ways to support working parents is providing flexible schedules and telework. As I mentioned, my family has an incredible village that holds us up, but not everyone is so fortunate. For many of the working parents I know, especially working single mothers, being able to flex time and work from home allows for a happier, more productive, and less stressed-out human who can also be present for their kiddos.
What is your advice on how current working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce?
We should all know our worth and be ready to advocate for ourselves. At the end of the day, no one is more vested in you and your career than you are as an individual. The world is made better by hearing different perspectives. Said another way, the diversity of our experiences is exactly what makes us the best.
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Kathryn Taylor, Contract Specialist, Exploration Systems Procurement Office
Kathryn provides customer support to the Orion program by preparing and executing contract actions on the Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle Contract and the Orion Production & Operations Contract. These actions support both ongoing and future developments for the Artemis missions.
"I have supported four different procurement offices and many projects in my career, but by far the most exciting project I have supported is my current one – the Artemis missions in the Orion Program Office," said Kathryn.
Kathryn finds the most rewarding part of her job is being able to work alongside amazing individuals to help future generations achieve new heights in space exploration. As a a mother, she values providing knowledge to her children and teaching them how to lead by serving others. "Seeing both of my kids grow into young adults who have a passion for serving and helping those around them has been one of the greatest blessings in my life."
"I hope to pass on to the Artemis Generation the inspiration to dream bigger, the courage to go further, and the motivation to achieve more than the generation before them."
How do you balance your work life and being a mom?
It can be hard to balance work life and mom life for sure, but I think the key is to be intentional with whatever you are doing, and to be present in the moment. When I am at work, I intentionally leave my 'mom mode' at home so I can focus on being the best employee I can be at work. When I am at home, I leave my 'work mode' at work so that I can focus on being the best mom I can be at home.
Returning to work as a mother, has the way you worked changed?
Returning to work has just solidified the thought that every moment we have with our children is precious and shouldn’t be wasted. That is why it is so important to be intentional no matter where we are or what we are doing. It makes me want to work harder while I am away from my kids so that the time I have to spend away from them is worth it.
How does being a mother empower you and impact your work goals?
Being a mom is one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life. My children have taught me so much about myself and what I am truly capable of. They make me feel as though I can conquer the world! As a working mom, I want my kids to have an example of a person with a good work ethic and to be inspired to do their best in all that they work toward or achieve in life. This motivates me to work harder to accomplish my work goals and to be the best role model I can be for them.
As a working mom, how have you been supported and what are effective ways to support working mothers?
I have been so blessed to have supporting managers and team leads who care about the employees they lead and their families. They have been a tremendous support any time an issue with one of my children has come up by offering flexibility of working hours, any time off needed, and just being there as a sounding board of advice when needed. I believe that having leaders in the workplace who support working mothers is vital to any organization and helps maintain the 'NASA family' culture that JSC has.
What is your advice on how current working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce?
I think it really is just about communicating your needs as a working mom and having that open dialogue with your coworkers and management. Knowing what is required of you as an employee and as a team member can help you advocate for yourself when addressing any concerns you might have, whether that is schedule flexibility, performance, or something else.
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Sandy Moore, EVA Flight Controller/Instructor, Capsule Communicator, Crew Monitor
Sandy fills several roles at Johnson. As an EVA flight controller, Sandy spends a majority of her time planning, developing, and training spacewalks for the International Space Station. As a capsule communicator, she is the voice helping to guide the crew aboard the space station through their daily activities. Lastly, as a crew monitor, Sandy acts as a crew surrogate in flight controller simulations, providing crew-like responses for flight controllers in training.
Sandy’s colleague voices how she not only manages to do multiple roles at NASA, but also finds time to mentor junior flight controllers. “She has acted as a mentor not only on a professional level but also on a personal level. Without her mentorship both as a flight controller and as a mom, I never would have made it through COVID with two kids and a full time career. On top of all of this, she is a fantastic mom, running girl scout events, martial arts competitions, school events, etc. She does a ton of public outreach, getting other kids excited about space flight. With all that, you'd think she'd be one of those super moms who seems perfect...but she's always totally honest about the struggles so that junior flight controllers and junior moms know that it’s possible to make it all work."
"I hope to pass on the importance of balance to the Artemis Generation - work hard, play hard. The skills and dedication that moms (and dads) bring to the workforce help establish a strong work-life balance that leads to higher engagement and productivity and a happy, healthier workforce."
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on at NASA?
This is a tough question, because I have enjoyed working so many projects at Johnson. I think my most memorable project was my first pair of spacewalks as a full EVA flight controller with Bob Behnken and Chris Cassidy in the middle of the pandemic. My team and I were changing out the batteries on the S6 Integrated Equipment Assembly. Chris and Bob were so fast we had to quickly replan the second spacewalk with all new tasks. It was a very challenging and dynamic couple of weeks, but it was very exciting. (#TeamS6Batteries)
What is the most rewarding part about your job and being a mother for you personally?
The most rewarding part of my job and being a mother is that I can show my girls (ages 11 and 13) the outcome of hard work. Spaceflight is hard. We succeed and fail together as one awesome international team. A few core elements that translate directly to home are: compromise is almost always needed in the final solution, details matter, and it is our responsibility to stand up for everyone’s safety.
How do you balance your work life and being a mom?
Managing work and home life is a very delicate balance. I celebrate my girls' and my husband’s flexibility daily and call them 'my flexible flight controller family.'
Being a working mom is a lot like being a flight controller. There are many activities on the daily timeline that you must balance and prioritize. Good communication, planning, and dedication to daily tasks are crucial to a smooth day. My husband Brian is critical to the balance. He is always willing to jump in where needed. On occasion, we call in someone from our 'village' of friends to help out with a ride to school or an activity.
Returning to work as a mother, has the way you worked changed?
Returning to work after becoming a mom has made me a more efficient, patient, and cost-effective worker. I have to work efficiently to complete my tasks in the allotted time to meet my personal demands at home. If the task feels extraneous, it is something I will address with my management.
How does being a mother empower you and impact your work goals?
Being a mom is very empowering. It has made me a better communicator, a better listener, and a better person. It empowers me to be best flight controller/instructor/capcom/crew monitor I can be every day. It empowers me to take forward the best and safest ways to do things so my colleagues can go home safely to their families.
As a working mom, how have you been supported and what are effective ways to support working mothers?
I have been very lucky. I have been completely supported by my fellow colleagues and management since becoming a mom. I have had colleagues step up when I needed to unexpectedly leave for a high fever and others who lend ears to concerns I have at home. I try to reciprocate for the newer moms and dads in my office as they face challenges of their own. I love talking to my fellow colleagues about their kids’ successes and struggles. Taking and giving advice brings colleagues closer and makes our teams even stronger.
What is your advice on how current working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce?
Do what you need to at work, but also take your time at home. Work to create and maintain the balance that works for you. Don’t miss those elementary field trips or the middle school band concerts. Put them on your calendar and plan around them every chance you get. I will continue to advocate for parents to attend these important events. There will be work conflicts that come up that you can’t avoid, but making family a high priority allows you to be flexible at home when work demands take priority.
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Crystal Williams, Operational Psychology Specialist, Behavioral Health & Performance
Crystal aids in the development and implementation of support resources that help astronauts and the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) crew and their families to successfully complete long-duration spaceflight missions.
Crystal is passionate about expanding early access to STEM education, particularly in underserved communities. Her favorite role at NASA was helping to develop STEM curricula as a former education coordinator, and as a mom, she enjoys conducting science experiments with her two daughters and teaching them through play.
“I hope to leave the world a better place by providing the Artemis Generation with early exposure to STEM education, which helps increase critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience, as well as the importance of respecting diversity and inclusivity.”
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on at NASA?
I was fortunate to contribute to the creation of NASA STEM curricula spanning from kindergarten to high school physics, and my involvement had a positive influence on K-12 education. Through my participation in NASA's hands-on STEM programs, I had the privilege of educating the Artemis Generation.
I wanted to encourage the next generation to have a growth mindset, where they believe in their ability to learn, improve, and make positive changes in the world. I endeavor to inspire them to develop a love for learning, creativity, and innovation, and to value collaboration and teamwork.
What is the most rewarding part about your job and being a mother for you personally?
The aspect that brings me the most fulfillment is being an agent of change. Having grown up in inner-city Houston, I aspired to make a greater impact, particularly for scholars who faced similar challenges and lacked opportunities. As a role model, I aimed to inspire and guide them to pave their own paths. As a mother, I find no greater satisfaction in seeing my children Krissy and Kinsley thrive and grow, as they embrace servant leadership like me. It is truly a privilege to stand alongside these two shining beacons and witness their blossoming journey.
How do you balance your work life and being a mom?
Admittedly, finding balance has been a challenge, requiring a shift in mindset. However, I am managing it successfully! I transition from my 'work' duties to engaging in 'fun' activities, making motherhood the highlight of my day. Together, we unleash our creativity in the kitchen, perform exhilarating science experiments, and learn while playing.
Returning to work as a mother, has the way you worked changed?
To ensure that I respect their time and presence, I strive to work with greater efficiency, minimizing any need to bring work home. My children deserve my undivided attention, and I am committed to preserving that boundary. However, in cases where I have to bring work home, I make a concerted effort to involve them in the fun aspects of it.
How does being a mother empower you and impact your work goals?
The gift of motherhood has been truly invaluable, but it has also demanded an exceptional level of multitasking and patience. As a mother, my goal has always been to be the best I can be, a goal that has only grown stronger with the arrival of my children. It is a challenging journey, as I strive to model the kind of behavior that I hope they will emulate. However, I try to be transparent with them, sharing both my triumphs and my shortcomings, and demonstrating how to be flexible and adaptable.
As a working mom, how have you been supported and what are effective ways to support working mothers?
As a mother of two incredibly active and intelligent children, I am blessed to have a network of supportive family and friends who go above and beyond in assisting us, whether it be through their presence or supporting us in extracurricular activities. Moreover, in my free time, I am committed to providing early access to STEM educational resources to underserved communities, which has enabled me to connect with other mothers who may benefit from guidance on extending classroom learning to their homes.
What is your advice on how current working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce?
Working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce by:
- Communicating their needs and limitations – clear communication can help to establish mutual understanding and respect
- Building a support network – this can help us feel more empowered and make it easier to face the day-to-day
- Prioritizing self-care – by taking care of ourselves, we can better manage the demand of work and home life balance
- Celebrating accomplishments – this helps to build self-confidence and resilience
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Larissa Arnold, Safety and Mission Assurance Deputy Manager, Extravehicular Activity and Human Surface Mobility Program
Larissa works to ensure that safety and mission assurance integration tasks are planned, executed, and accomplished to maintain crew safety and mission success during lunar surface operations. Across the various roles Larissa has held at NASA, she has most enjoyed collaborating with external partners to advance the agency’s mission. “That human connection and blending of cultures and appreciation for our similarities and differences is really a special part of the work we do as NASA,” she says.
“I hope to pass on the true passion for human space exploration that comes from knowing and understanding those that have preceded us in the NASA family and their accomplishments. And the importance of taking care of yourself so that you can be the best version of yourself both at work and at home.”
What is the most rewarding part about your job and being a mother for you personally?
The most rewarding part of both having a job outside the home and being a mother is knowing that I am contributing to the success of human exploration both in low Earth orbit and beyond, and providing an example to my sons of the various roles that women and moms can have.
How do you balance your work life and being a mom?
Balancing work and mom life is definitely a challenge, and there are periods of life where it is tougher than others. Leaning into my support village - husband, friends, co-workers - really helps me stay in check with balancing the different demands.
Returning to work as a mother, has the way you worked changed?
I tend to have perfectionist tendencies, which for me, can lead to overworking myself. Since becoming a mother, I definitely strive to balance myself and value my time and others’ time more. Really working to be present in the moment so that I can be of most value to the task, whether it is at work or home.
How does being a mother empower you and impact your work goals?
Being a mother continually pushes me to be a better human all-around - to accomplish work goals within the organization, to mentor early-career employees, and to inspire the next generation of female engineers
As a working mom, how have you been supported and what are effective ways to support working mothers?
I have been extremely fortunate to have managers that were willing to partner with me so that I could achieve the work-life balance I desire while ensuring that my contributions to the organization were a benefit to the team.
What is your advice on how current working mothers can advocate for themselves in the workforce?
Communication is key for advocating for yourself and those around you. When advocating for yourself, make sure to formulate a plan that outlines the benefits to the organization. Also, delegating is key - both at home and work. Empower your family with life needs at home and your team members at work.