I work with formal and informal learning institutions including schools, museums, libraries and community groups.

Karen has been a wonderful resource and asset for the team. I highly recommend her for any formal and informal learning project that aims to help bridge the gap between cultural content and meaningful engagement for communities big and small.
— Victoria Prizzia, Habithèque Inc.

Each organization I work with is unique; I get to know its culture, staff strengths and organizational goals. While I have years of experience and have developed some tools for approaching each new project, I don’t have a cookie cutter method.

How mission-driven organizations have used my consulting

Program development

  • You would like to engage families and need help designing developmentally appropriate programming that appeals to multi age groups.

  • You would like to engage young children and realize that programming for elementary age doesn’t work for toddlers and preschoolers.

Adjust existing programming

  • You would like to use your existing programming but need help differentiating to align with the interest levels and developmental understanding of a range of age groups.

Materials development

  • You have a new idea, and you would like me to create visually and conceptually exciting materials while maintaining the look of your brand.

Staff and volunteer professional development

  • You want to improve your staff knowledge of how best to interact with different age groups, families and communities. Using highly interactive and fun activities, I will create customized training in culturally sensitive and developmentally appropriate methods.

Program evaluation

  • I will design an evaluation method that is tailored to the organizational mission, delivering relevant and actionable feedback.

Add-on services

  • Assist in program delivery.

  • Coach staff using a highly effective and enjoyable strengths-based model.

  • Assist in presentations to funders.

  • Coordinate with partner organizations.

 

What to expect if you work with me

  • I will ask questions and lead conversations with an emphasis on inclusion: understanding what is important to or cherished by each staff member.

  • I will observe prior programming and materials: respect and build on your current style and strengths.

  • Whenever possible I will engage in a multistage process:

o   Design prototypes of new materials or programs, solicit organization’s input and revise.

o   Remain flexible: field test ideas with constituents and staff: what really works? What creates energy, enthusiasm, conversation, deeper understanding?

o   Refine and revise.

  • I will submit deliverables/reports on time, according to a predetermined schedule.