Karen K.

Creative & Critical Writing, Arts & Crafts

Philadelphia

• My favorite Pokémon is Gardevoir.
• My hobbies include writing fantasy and speculative fiction, painting and crocheting, or learning entirely new artsy skills.
• I have a special interest in cartoons, especially Bug's Life and Pixie Hollow.

My mission is to support the dreams of the younger generations by identifying and nourishing their special interests, skills, and talents. This passion for education started in third grade, when I tutored a classmate for a spelling and phonics test. Beginning in middle school and continuing throughout undergrad, I served academic summer programs (K-8), after school programs (K-8), middle schools, and high schools, as a director, teacher, substitute teacher, and volunteer. Now, I’m a teacher artist developing and scaffolding original learning materials, which include immersive learning experiences. Whether it’s through arts & crafts, reading, writing, or STEM, I find joy in watching learners fly further and higher than they imagined possible for themselves. This has included earning awards and scholarships, connecting with meaningful internship opportunities, and reaching ambitious academic goals (including SAT 1600 scores and AP 5s). But most importantly, it has meant learning to think outside the box and finding greater joy and confidence in their identities, interests, and ideas.