This week’s “Meet a Mom” features the incredible Katie Thompson, Traffic Anchor and Transportation Reporter for WCVB Channel 5 Boston. I had the pleasure of meeting Katie at The Girl Gang Conference a few weeks ago and knew she would be a perfect fit for this series.
Originally from Kennebunk, Maine, Katie now lives in Burlington and frequently visits the South Shore. While she has had a distinguished career, her most important role is being a mom to her two daughters, Brynn (4.5) and Stevie (2.5). As a family, they love going to the beach and having dance parties.
Katie studied broadcast journalism at Hofstra University and began her on-air career in Texas in 2011. She later worked in Portland, Maine, where she covered everything from local politics to environmental series. Notably, she has covered two Red Sox World Series and three Patriots Super Bowl victories. Katie has been with WCVB for nearly ten years and feels fortunate that her work allows her to highlight diverse causes and organizations.
In this feature, Katie speaks honestly about the challenges of being a working parent and how she balances her successful career with motherhood. I truly admire her honesty. Read on to learn more about Katie, including the best parenting advice she has received and her own tips for new moms.
Where are you from originally?
Born and raised in Maine! I grew up in Kennebunk. My parents still live there, and I’m up there a lot in the summertime.
Tell us about your family! How many kids, names/ages?
I am a proud girl mom of 4.5 year old Brynn and 2.5 year old Stevie. They are my world and it is so fun to experience life through their eyes.
How did you start your career as an anchor?
I went to college for broadcast journalism and began my first on-air job in Abilene Texas in 2011. Since then I have worked in Portland, Maine and now here in Boston! It was my dream to report the news in Boston. I’ve been with WCVB since 2017 and these people really are like family to me.
Where do you now call home and how long have you lived there?
I had my first daughter while living in Boston but bought a home in Burlington in 2022.
What family activity do you enjoy most?
My girls and I will have spontaneous dance parties where we sing and dance and jump around. They are some of my favorite memories! Also, we beach when we can!
What is your favorite part about the work you do?
I am a natural yapper and story-teller, to start. My job has taken me all over the country, giving me the chance to learn a lot about different types of people, and the ability to spotlight many great causes and organization. Obviously, the news can contain a lot of tragedy, and sadly I have met many people on the worst day of their lives. I can only hope I have been able to make a tiny difference in my efforts to balance that with stories about triumph.
Are you involved with any non-profits or do any volunteering?
The other great thing about my job is that we volunteer with many organizations, offering our emcee services. I have done live auctions, 5Ks, bike races, and large charity galas and it is always inspiring to see the great work these organizations are doing! I am also a board member for the Tommy McNamara charitable foundation, a non-profit that gives back to youth sports groups in southern Maine communities.
What do you find to be the toughest part about being a working mom?
Oh…this one hits. On one hand, my middle of the night hours give me the time to be home with my girls by mid-day. I can pick them up from school, shuffle them to activities, cook them dinner and put them to bed. On the other hand, I am exhausted! Sometimes I feel guilty that I am not giving them my best self. That guilt lingers too when I have to leave work if someone is sick or needs care and then when I have to leave my kids to go to work. I love working, I love being a mom, I want to do it all. I think all working moms can relate to this cycle. It never ends!
What is the best advice you have received as a mom?
You don’t have to be the best mom. You just have to be good enough. I truly believe that. A child who is secure in their parent’s love for them build’s resilience, confidence and the ability to form positive relationships.
What is your best advice for a new mom?
It’s okay to talk about how hard the newborn stage is. Social media is a highlight reel, and every smiling mom on the internet knows what you are going through. Open up, reach out to people. You’ll be surprised by the support and solidarity you will find in the mom community.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am deathly afraid of whales. I cannot tell you why. I grew up on the water, but I can’t even look at a whale video without feeling my entire body go weak!
Is there a Quote or mantra you live by?
“If you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” -Conan O’Brien’s final monologue.
Your go-to Pandora/Spotify/Apple Music station?
Lil Wayne Radio. I mean, this may be surprising as a millennial from Maine…but that man raised me!
Your favorite local spot for: date night, coffee break, workout, new outfit, self-care, “me time”
Self-care is my new date night. I am all for booking a 90 minute massage, a hydra facial or botox on a Saturday morning. Maybe even all 3!!
Anything else you’d love to share?
I am someone who smiles every day on TV but I am not immune from my own struggles in life,love and loss. Having struggled with PPD after my second daughter and some traumatic things before and after, I strive to be someone that people feel comfortable talking to, relating to and connecting with. Most importantly I want to be a positive role model for my daughters <3
You can catch Katie on WCVB from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. covering regional transportation and commuter news. Be sure to follow her on
social media as well for all the behind the camera coverage.
Also thank you
Shannon for taking such beautiful pictures of Katie and her family.
