Catherine Mardon is a Canadian writer, activist, and lawyer.
Biography 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
Bibliography Curveballs (2012) Gandy and Parker Escape the Zoo: An Illustrated Adventure (2013, with Austin Mardon) Screwballs (2015) Gandy and the Princess (2015, with Austin Mardon) Gandy and the Cadet (2015) Gandy and the Man in White (2016, with Austin Mardon) Gandy and the Man in Black. (2016) Gandy and the Underwater City(2017) Gandy and the Sea Cow(2016) Gandy and the Mastodon(2015) Gandy At the Beach (2017) Gandy and the Fiddler (2017) Gandy and the Lumberjack (2017) Gandy and the Bonefish (2017) Gandy and the Lady (2018) Gandy and Christopher Gandy and the Musician (2017) Gandy and the Piper Canadian Polar Explorers Alphabet Soup Therapeutic Parenting Hoarding the Family Secret Behind Closed Doors. Listen to the Right Voices: Pastoral Care of Persons with Schizophrenia The A Word How to Build and Maintain Relationships with Mental Illness
Awards and honors 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
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