Matthea "Matty" Cathley, a female Twi'lek, was a Jedi Padawan under the tutelage of Jedi Master Leebon. Alongside Oliviah Zeveron, she operated from the moon of Jedha around 382 BBY. In that year, she participated in the Battle of Jedha, playing a vital role in safeguarding the tapbar known as Enlightenment, which sheltered numerous individuals from the devastation.
Cathley was known for her excessive talking, a trait that irritated many, except for Leebon. Her second master, Vildar Mac, initially found her constant chatter bothersome. Mac assumed the role of Cathley's master following the Battle of Jedha, during which Leebon met his death at the hands of the Great Leveler.
Upon Vildar Mac's arrival on Jedha, Cathley was dispatched to locate him. She informed him of their impending investigation into a theft before proceeding to the Convocation chambers. En route, Cathley also conveyed to Mac that the Jedi were not well-received on Jedha, despite their historical connection. Cathley questioned Mac's decision to come to Jedha instead of going to the front lines, but then interrupted the conversation to express her interest in watching a performance. As a dispute arose, Cathley attempted to meditate, but was met with hostility despite her persistent efforts to help. When Mac reacted aggressively to the appearance of a Sorcerer of Tund's, Cathley once again tried to smooth things over, and the two Jedi continued their journey.
Cathley found herself explaining the situation to Mac again, this time regarding the stolen item and their assignment to recover it. Mac paid little attention, instead noticing the presence of the droid SK-0T. Cathley watched in dismay as Tey Sirrek, the droid's owner, stopped Mac's heart, seemingly causing his death.
After Mac regained consciousness, having only been briefly incapacitated, Cathley followed him in bewilderment as he urgently sought Sirrek's whereabouts. Mac employed psychometry to discern Sirrek's location, and Cathley identified the place he had seen as the Enlightenment. Reluctant to take him there due to previous incidents and orders to stay away, Cathley eventually conceded. Cathley was once more confronted by members of the Path of the Open Hand and defended the Jedi's principles. Mac defended her, and they continued, but Cathley reminded him that respect had to be earned on Jedha. Cathley aided Mac in entering the bar where he spotted Sirrek. Both Cathley and Mac were eventually restrained by the Twinkle Sisters after Mac attempted to apprehend Sirrek. Cathley observed as Mac and Sirrek confronted each other, expressing surprise that Sirrek had actually been assisting the woman they found dead. Cathley tried to persuade Sirrek to help them, but he departed and seemingly vanished.
Cathley and Mac encountered Sirrek attempting to sell Mac's lightsaber. Following a brief exchange, they began to proceed towards the Temple of the Kyber before being surrounded by Guardians of the Whills. Cathley attempted to converse with Sirrek, but he left. Cathley was then taken aback by the revelation that Sirrek had once been a Guardian himself. Cathley later defended Sirrek, arguing that he was not the thief, considering the circumstances and his behavior, but her arguments were dismissed by the other Guardians.
Following the explosion that injured Mac, Cathley attempted to persuade him to rest. She informed him that he had saved the life of Archivist Feric Oranalli and relayed the information obtained from Sirrek's droid. Cathley attended the Convocation's debriefing after the explosion and expressed frustration at their treatment of Sirrek. Cathley was also present when the Herald denounced the Convocation and the Jedi, inciting a riot against them.
Cathley attempted to repel the rioters and alerted Mac to a disturbance in the Force. Cathley assisted Oliviah Zeveron and Mac as she pursued The Mother. Cathley and Mac moved to help calm the crowds when the Healing house exploded.
Leebon perished in the Battle of Jedha, falling victim to the Great Leveler controlled by the Path. In the aftermath, Mac consented to become Cathley's new master. After the battle, she journeyed with Zeveron to the planet Dalna to investigate the Path of the Open Hand cult's involvement in the battle and to investigate the Mother. They eventually encountered Jedi High Council member Ela Sutan, who had also arrived to investigate. Cathley subsequently fought under Sutan after the Path attacked the Jedi during the ensuing Night of Sorrow.