I'm Karin with an "i", not to be confused with the "Karen" meme who always wants to talk to the manager.  

Growing up in New York, I played school quite a bit in our basement and I was always the teacher so it was no surprise that I found myself in the field of education.  In 1996, I earned my teaching credential and taught 2nd grade in Poway Unified School District.  Just one year later, my husband, Chris, and I started our family and I decided to take some time off to be at home with our children. Thirteen years and four children later, I was ready to return to work.  

I joined San Diego Unified in 2006 and taught kindergarten and first grade at Hamilton and Field. Although I loved the work I was doing, something was missing.  I recognized that many of our students with special needs required rigorous, consistent, caring instruction.  I returned to school and obtained my Masters in Special Education and an education specialist credential to service students with moderate to severe disabilities.  I've spent the past thirteen years working in special education and I love what I do.  The past eleven years have been at Clairemont Canyons Academy, formerly Lindbergh Schweitzer, working with students who have multiple disabilities. Everyday is different and challenging.  

I consider myself a lifelong learner and have continued to pursue my education.  In addition, to my general education and special education credentials, I have added authorizations to my portfolio including an orthopedic impairment and an early childhood authorization.  I've also obtained an administrative services credential that allows me to act as an administrator when needed.