Karen was born and raised in Eaton Rapids. After graduation, she enrolled
at LCC as a music major. She says now, “I soaked up everything I could at
LCC; I was in several choral groups, worked as a student aide in the music
office, took voice lessons from Debbie Byrne, and appeared in Sweeney
Todd, Candide, Jesus Christ Superstar, and two operas, The Magic Flute
and MacBeth. The wonderful instructors, the frequent opportunities
for performing, and the fine education I received there gave me a great start.”
Karen transferred to Central Michigan University and, after graduation, went
to work for the Bloomfield Hills Schools where she taught for three years.
For the past 13 years, she’s been a teacher in Jenison Public Schools where
she teaches elementary music. She also teaches a class of autistic students.
She says, “Most of these children are very responsive to music even though
they may not respond in the ways we might expect. Sometimes music can reach
them when nothing else can.” In addition, Karen leads three choirs including
the junior choir at her church. She received her master’s degree from Grand
Valley State University and now teaches a class there on music for the classroom
teacher.
Besides her busy career, Karen is a wife and mother of two children, Brandon
and Emily. Modestly, Karen deflects compliments, “I’ve been fortunate to have
such a supportive family and to work for a school system that truly values
music education. I’ve been blessed by having wonderful people in my life.”
