Faculty & Staff Directory

Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of North Dakota and a master’s degree in autism spectrum disorders from the University of St. Thomas. She is a licensed special education teacher with certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disabilities, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities, and as a Teacher Coordinator of Work-Based Learning from Bethel University. Karen was nominated as MN Teacher of the Year in her South Washington County School District in Cottage Grove and Woodbury in 2018 for her teaching in special education. After several years of teaching, Karen pursued additional training in Orton-Gillingham-based reading instruction, completing a practicum with hands-on experience and tutoring through the Reading Center in Woodbury, Minnesota. Most recently, she completed the Online Language & Literacy Academy (OL&LA)—a program that emphasizes personalized, evidence-based literacy instruction. The OL&LA training integrates practical application with reading science and supports a wide range of learners, including multilingual students, speakers of the English language, and students with dyslexia. Karen has extensive experience in virtual instruction and is known for delivering engaging, interactive lessons tailored to the needs of both virtual and in-person learners.

Hobbies & Fun Facts About Yourself:

Karen is a lifelong learner and, when outside of tutoring, she enjoys reading, traveling internationally, crafting with her Cricut machine, boating, and weightlifting. She loves being outdoors in all Minnesota seasons and cherishes time spent with her family.