Karen began her career as an educator by sheer happenstance. All of her prior training and plans included work as a research chemist. Karen received an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Talladega College and she had intentions of working in the field of Chemistry. She was hired to work as a summer youth counselor and the supervisor offered her a teaching position to work at an emergency shelter for abused and abandoned children. It was then that Karen developed a deep interest in students and she has a proven record of working with students from diverse intellectual abilities or backgrounds.

Karen has the following educational preparation:
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry- Talladega College
• Master of Education Degree in Science Education- Georgia State University
• Educational Specialist Degree- Troy State University
• Currently pursuing Ed. D Degree, Argosy University

Karen’s first teaching assignment was at a non-traditional school setting where she provided instruction to students who resided in an emergency shelter while they were in protective custody. After working at the shelter for a few years, she then worked at a new alternative school for troubled students. She went on to work at a traditional middle school.

Karen’s has worked in the following leadership positions since leaving the classroom.
• Instructional Specialist at Beecher Hills Elementary School
• Assistant Principal at North Atlanta High School
• Principal at Peyton Forest Elementary School.
• Student achievement has improved significantly at Peyton Forest during Karen’s tenure.
• At the end of her first year at the school, 87% of students met or exceeded state standards up from 70% from the previous year.

Karen has participated in numerous programs and activities that have strengthen her leadership skills. Her diverse experience, broad knowledge, and her personal desire stay abreast of current trends and issues in education keep her on the cutting edge of educational endeavors. She has a constant thirst for knowledge and thus she possesses the passion to learn new methodologies and strategies.

Karen has had the opportunity to engage in dialogue with local and national leaders in education. She has taught professional development classes that focus on current trends and best practices in education. She has evaluated school programs and she has keen insight on how to recommend changes that are needed for school improvement. Listed below are some of the activities, awards and honors that she has received and/or participated:

ACTIVITIES
Served on the National Panel for Visiting Principals, SABLE Program, Atlanta, Ga., 2007
Wallace Foundation Leadership Issues Group Conference Participant Washington D.C., 2007
Facilator at ASCD’s National Conference in Anaheim Ca, 2007
Presented at the Wallace Foundation Annual Leadership for Learning Conference in St. Louis, Mo, 2006
Facilitator at International Baccalaureate Organization’s Annual Regional Conference in the Bahamas, 2006
Published an Interdisciplinary Activity Manual for Teachers, “We All Need Trees”, 1994
Program Coordinator for Math and Science Academy, Georgia State University, 1998
Presented at Atlanta Public Schools Middle School Conference, 1998
Engineering for Kids Instructor, Southern Polytechnic University, 1998
Science of Sporting Events Participant, Georgia Tech University, 1996
Served on the APS Staff Development Strategic Planning Team, 1996
Served on the Science Curriculum and Textbook Adoption Committees, 1996
Presented at Quality Education for Minorities Network Conference, 1995
Presented at Clark Atlanta University’s Statewide Math/Science Conference, 1994
Presented at the Georgia Science Teacher’s Annual Conference, 1993 and 1994
Presented at University of Georgia’s Principles of Educating Teachers (POET) Workshop, 1994
Served on the Statewide Georgia Initiative in Math and Science Focus Team, (GIMS), 1993
Participated in Georgia Tech’s Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Mentor Program
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated
Member of Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society

AWARDS/HONORS
Harvard Institute for School Leadership: Leadership for Large-Scale Improvement (HISL), 2007
Atlanta Families’ Awards for Excellence in Education Winner, 2007 Featured in USA Today
Finalist to serve on the National Assessment Governing Board, 2006
Peyton Forest named as a State of Georgia Title 1 Distinguished School, 2006, 2007
State of Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement Silver Award Winner, 2006
Hosea Feed the Hungry Food for the Soul Winning School, 2006
Finalist for the Atlanta Public Schools Academic Achievement Incentive Award, 1995
Two-Time Recipient of the Georgia Industrial Fellowship for Teachers Award, 1994, 1993