Kathy's debut album entitled Appletree, is a collection of songs written and recorded from 1996 to 2000. The album is an eclectic mix of music ranging from driving melodic rock, to the title song Appletree revealing her jazz influences.

The recording project involved a great deal of her family including two brothers, a brother-in-law, and her husband. Brother Jerry co-wrote, co-produced and played guitars on the album. It was recorded and mixed at his studio in Denver, Colorado. Kathy’s other brother Don and brother-in-law Larry also played bass on the album.