Karen brings over 20 years of experience in education and advocacy with students and families.
Invested in BSD.
1st Latina on the Beaverton School Board! Two years as the board chair.
2 -Years on Bond Accountability Committee Ensuring fiscal responsibility. Ensuring revenue is utilized for voter approved purposes!
16-Years as a Beaverton Classroom Teacher Commitment to BSD students and families!
Saved 280+ BSD Educator Positions
Co-led the 2022 Local Option Levy campaign.
National & State Advocacy for Full Funding of Special Education! In-person meetings with legislators in Salem & Washington DC.
Karen’s a BSD mom! Including a Westview Graduate and BSD 7th grader.
An Education
Advocate
Karen has advocated at the state capital for Educational Funding alongside other administrators of color from around the state of Oregon.
Karen has advocated for Measure 98, Tribal History Shared History, Ethnic Studies, Diversifying the Workforce, LGBTQ+ Student Funding, Social Emotional Learning supports for students, for the All Students Belong rule and other initiatives.
Karen has served on Oregon Department of Education committees for supporting English Language Learners, the new All Students Belong rule and has participated in Diversifying the teacher work force in Oregon.
Karen is the Vice President of Oregon Association of Latino Administrators (OALA) and works to support and mentor the next generation of bilingual-bicultural teachers and administrators.
THRIVING
Karen earned a Biology degree from Carroll College and has done four years of Breast Cancer Research at OHSU.
Karen has two masters degrees, one in elementary education and one in special education.
Karen has also earned two teaching endorsements, one in Teaching English as a Second Language and another in teaching within Dual Language/Immersion Programs from Portland State University.
Karen’s doctorate and administrative license are from Lewis and Clark College Graduate School of Education. All of her studies have focused on gaining skills and tools to create more inclusive and welcoming school systems.
Dr. Karen’s Journey
Karen was born in El Salvador.
In 1980, Karen’s Family was granted political asylum in the United States, after her mom was held hostage during the civil war in her home country.
As a fluent Spanish speaking immigrant, in a loving family, Karen entered an English-only 2nd grade classroom in Oregon at the age of 7. This new experience came with many enriching educational challenges and opportunities for her K-12 teachers.
Karen’s parents and family have been an unconditional source of support throughout her life. They instilled in her the importance of maintaining her Salvadoran culture and language, a strong work ethic, a strong sense of resiliency and a collective approach to life and community advocacy.