About Karen
My Story, My Heart, and My Why
From the time I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a first-grade teacher. What I didn’t know was how much my own childhood experiences would shape the educator I would eventually become.
Growing up, I often struggled to understand directions, took things literally, and experienced sensitivities to sounds, lights, and textures. I learned differently, although I didn’t understand why.
My career in special education began with 15 years as a classroom aide working with children with developmental disabilities. I eventually earned my bachelor’s degree and received a full scholarship to pursue my Master of Science in Special Education, along with teaching endorsements spanning kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Throughout my more than 30 years in education, I spent most of my career working with elementary students. I believed that reaching children early could make a lasting difference in their lives.
My classroom was a place where children could feel safe, accepted, and understood. I recognized that learning couldn’t happen until a child felt comfortable and connected. Rather than asking, “Why can’t this child learn?” I asked, “How does this child learn?”
Over the years, I developed a special connection with children on the autism spectrum. Some colleagues even called me “The Autism Whisperer.”
At age 60, I received my own autism diagnosis.
Suddenly, so many things about my childhood, my experiences, and my connection with my students made sense. I had spent my career understanding children who experienced the world much as I did.
My diagnosis didn’t change who I was. It helped me understand who I had always been.
Author • Educator • Speaker
With more than 30 years of experience in special education, Karen Chase brings a unique perspective to children’s literature, learning differences, and the importance of understanding each child’s individual needs.
AUTHOR
Karen is an author whose writing reflects her lifelong passion for education, individuality, personal growth, and the human experience.
Her children’s books celebrate imagination, creativity, and the different ways children experience the world. Her Bixby McTinker series introduces young readers to a curious, inventive boy whose literal interpretations of everyday expressions lead to unexpected adventures.
Karen’s published works also include educational resources and books addressing widowhood, grief, and healing. Following the loss of her husband, she drew upon her personal experiences to help others navigate the challenges of loss and rebuilding their lives.
Whether writing for children, educators, or adults experiencing grief, Karen’s work is grounded in compassion, understanding, and the belief that every person’s story matters.
EDUCATOR
Karen holds a Master of Science in Special Education and has spent more than three decades working with children of varying abilities and learning styles.
Her educational philosophy is simple: “Connection Before Instruction.”
She believes every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and understood before meaningful learning can begin. Rather than expecting children to adapt to a single teaching method, Karen encourages educators to discover how each child learns best.
SPEAKER
Karen brings a wealth of professional knowledge and personal experience to her presentations.
As a public speaker for the National Tutoring Association (NTA), she has shared her educational philosophy and expertise in individualized instruction.
Following the death of her husband, Karen also served as a grief coach, offering understanding and encouragement to others navigating widowhood and loss.
Her speaking interests encompass autism awareness, learning differences, inclusive education, individualized teaching strategies, grief, resilience, and personal growth.
Through her writing and speaking, Karen encourages others to recognize individual strengths, embrace differences, and discover hope through life’s challenges.
Beyond the Classroom
Winds of Change — Grief, Healing & New Beginnings
Following the loss of her husband, Karen Chase expanded her writing and professional interests to include widowhood, grief, and personal transformation.
As a Certified Transformational Life Coach for Widows, Karen created Winds of Change, a resource dedicated to helping women navigate life after loss.
Through her writing, guided workbook, and grief coaching, Karen has encouraged widows to rediscover their identities, embrace new possibilities, and find meaning and purpose as they move forward.
Her work reflects a deeply personal understanding of grief and the belief that healing does not mean forgetting those we love.
“Where Healing Meets New Beginnings.”