Karen has been teaching individuals with disabilities since 1981. She graduated from the University of Idaho in Special Education. She received her masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Creative Arts from Lesley University (Cambridge, Mass) in 2001. Karen currently teaches 18-21 year old students at the STEP (Student Transition Education Program) for the Boise Independent School District.
Member of the Idaho State Interagency Council on Transition, Past president of Idaho CEC (Council for Exceptional Children), past president of DCDT (Division of Career Development and Transition), and one of the venue supervisors of the International Special Olympics Winter Games in Boise, Karen is very involved with her community.
Karen has taught numerous classes and workshops at local, state and international conferences. She was an adjunct professor for Boise State University for four years and teaches classes for the Boise School District.
She has recieved several awards including the Red Apple Award for Outstanding Service to Education from the Boise School District in April 2009, Outstanding Professional in 2006 from Idaho Parents Unlimited, Educator of the Year in 2001 from ARC of Idaho, Excellence in Education at Lowell Elementary as voted by peers in 1998 &1999 and Exceptional Teacher of the Year from Samantha Smith Elementary as voted by the PTA in 1993.
Karen is dedicated to improving the education and independence of adults with disabilities as they transition from their school system into post secondary education, independent living and /or working with adult agencies.
