Catherine Mardon

Catherine Mardon was born in Oklahoma, but spent many years living in St. Petersburg, Florida. She currently lives in Canada. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Oklahoma State University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Art from Newman University. She received a Master's degree in Theological Studies from Newman Theological College in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Mardon is a social activist, having worked for family farmers, with ecumenical organizations, for the homeless, and as a speaker on social justice issues. She was admitted to the Oklahoma Bar in 1988. Her legal practice also included archdiocesan tribunal work, death penalty appeals, and a variety of low income concerns. Mardon was also a mediation trainer responsible for the recruitment, training, supervision and evaluation of over 180 volunteer mediators. After being attacked in 1991 for providing testimony against the leader of a white supremacist group, which left her with physical injuries, a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, she became a disability rights advocate. Mardon has written many books on mental illness and a series of children's books that have been translated into 18 different languages. She is married to fellow writer and activist Austin Mardon

• Dame Commander in the Order of St. Sylvester, a Papal Knighthood(2017) • Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers(2018) • King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025) • Institute of International Peace Leader’s Peace Award (2025) • Leon A. McNeill Distinguished Alumni Award, Newman University (2022) • Honour Officer, Alberta Royal Canadian Army Cadets (2018) • Regent's Distinguished Scholar - Oklahoma State University • Marian Medal - National Conference of Catholic Bishops • Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012) • Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022) • Diocesan Officer - Catholic Women's League • Edmonton Archdiocese • 2016 True Grit Award - The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta's Circle on Mental Health and Addiction • Former President – Catholic Women's League, St. Alphonsus, Edmonton • Former President – Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary