About Karen
“Let your reach exceed your grasp, or what is a heaven for?”
– paraphrase of Robert Browning
People appreciate Karen's unique talents:
Background & Experience
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A lifelong resident of Edina, Karen attended Concord Elementary School, Southview Middle School and graduated from Edina High School.
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Teaching is a calling for Karen. While she was in high school, she independently set up a tutoring program for reading and math to help students at Concord Elementary and Southview Middle School. She has been tutoring professionally since 1982.
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Karen developed and adapted materials and curriculum for professional traveling singers as a tutor for MCA recording artists, The Jets.
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Later she designed and coordinated the special education program for a new elementary school in Gillette WY.
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She also has been a teacher in Edina Public Schools and the parent of two Edina High School graduates,
Educational & Professional Credentials
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Degrees:
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M.A. Special Education, S.L.B.P., University of St. Thomas, 1988
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B.A. Elementary & Special Education, Augustana College, 1982
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Minnesota Licenses:
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Elementary Education License Grades 1-6
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Emotional Behavior Disorders License Grades K-12
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Learning Disabilities License Grades K-12
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Other Accreditations:
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Orton-Gillingham (OG) Training Levels I-IV, 150 hours, through Orton-Gillingham of Minnesota
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Continuing Education :
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Orton-Gillingham Reading Seminars,
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IDA-UMBIDA Spring Conferences
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ADHD Staff Development Seminar
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Parent-to-Parent ADHD Workshop
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Other Specialties and Training
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The Writing Road to Reading
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The Kansas IRLD Model (Writing)
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Professional Memberships
Personal Information
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Karen is an active, high energy person. She participates in many sports, including hockey, golf, lifting, unicycle, skiing, rollerblading, diving and more. She incorporates activity and the lessons of sports into her tutoring, engaging students with her zest for life.
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Avid traveler and New Business Development for Riverdale Travel.
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Member of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization) since 1982. Two-time President and multiple office holder.
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Hockey player since 1999, Participates in Women's Hockey Association of Minnesota (WHAM), Hockey Finder, Adult Hockey Association (AHA) and other leagues.
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Three years as U10 and U12 girls assistant hockey coach in Edina Hockey Association. 100+ hours of training as a coach through USA Hockey.
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Soccer player for 12 years. Coached soccer for 25 years. Developed soccer program for Classical Academy.