Her Story
About Karen
Karen Kacie is a retired special education educator based in Chandler, Arizona, with a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years in primary and secondary education. She is known for her commitment to supporting students with disabilities and helping them develop essential academic, social, and workplace skills. A graduate of Wilkes University with a Master of Education, she built a professional foundation grounded in special education, instructional support, and student-centered learning.
Her career began in Pennsylvania, where she worked in a variety of roles before fully transitioning into education, including positions in food service, hospitality management, and as a letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. After returning to education through substitute teaching and further training in special education, she became deeply involved in supporting learners with special needs. One of her most impactful contributions was directing a School-to-Work program, where she helped students with disabilities transition into community employment. Under her leadership, the program expanded significantly, growing from just 2 employed students to 29 within four years, demonstrating her effectiveness in building partnerships and expanding opportunity pathways.
After relocating to Arizona, she continued her work with Gilbert Public Schools, where she implemented and adapted successful program models to local needs, contributing to the development of multiple school-to-work initiatives. Following retirement, she has remained active through creative pursuits such as jewelry making, paper quilling, and crafting, often selling her work in local boutiques and shops. She also supports animal welfare causes by donating a portion of her proceeds to the ASPCA. Across her career and retirement, she is recognized for her dedication to empowerment, inclusion, and helping individuals reach their full potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the meaningful relationships I’ve built with my students and the lasting impact they continue to have on me. I still keep in touch with some former students, and hearing from them occasionally reminds me why I do this work and keeps me motivated. Because I do not have children of my own, I have invested deeply in the students I’ve supported, especially those who others may have underestimated. I strongly believe that every student has value and potential, and I am committed to helping them recognize that they are capable of achieving far more than what others may assume about them.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering education is to lead with a genuine passion for helping others and a commitment to sharing your knowledge and skills in a meaningful way. Teaching goes beyond instruction—it is about helping students build confidence, develop life skills, and see their own potential. In my experience working with students with disabilities and leading a school-to-work program, I’ve seen how capable students can be when given real opportunities to succeed in the community and at work. I encourage future educators not to simply go through the motions, but to truly invest in helping students grow into capable, confident individuals who understand their value and place in the world.
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