PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Karen Derrick-Davis is a veteran homeschooler who is not opposed to public education, but believes that all families should have the right to choose an educational situation that fits their needs—both lifestyle and learning styles. Her family has created and participated in a variety of educational models. She co-founded a parent-led homeschool cooperative that is now in its 10th year. Her children have participated in parent-led cooperatives, a school district’s homeschool support program, homeschool classes offered by museums and other community institutions, homeschool classes and clubs led by community professionals she recruited, on-line live web-based classes, part-time and full-time public school, and on-line public school. She is thankful that she had the opportunity to learn beside her children for so many years.  Now, she is a freelance homeschool support professional and social entrepreneur. She is also a Board member for the Same Café, which is a catalyst for the community food justice. The intent of SAME Cafe is to build a healthy community by providing a basic need of food in a respectful and dignified manner to anyone who walks through the door. 

EDUCATION

 MSc University of Wisconsin-Madison: Social Work 1993

 BA University of Texas Austin: Social Work 1986

EXPERIENCE

2014                 Creator/Implementer for NanoCommerce/North City Park Community Exchange 

2013-Present    Coordinator/Volunteer for Sustainable North City Park 

2007                 Community Activist, American Civil Liberties Union, Waco, Texas

1996-1997        Facilitator for National Civic League, Healthy Communities Program

1997                 Writer, Everyday Democracy, East Hartford, Connecticut

1992-1993        Facilitator for United Way of Dane County, Joining Forces for Families 

1993 - 1994      Social work Consultant

1991-1992        Romania Programs Consultant, World Council of Churches, Bucharest

PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

 Focus Group Coordinator, ReSchool, Donnell-Kay Foundation in 2014

 Founding Coordinator/Volunteer, Families Learning Together Cooperative (2005-2008)

 Program Director, National Civic League, Colorado Healthy Communities Initiative 

(1996-1997)

 Program Coordinator, American Cancer Society of Colorado, Breast Health Education 

(1995-1996)

 Program Coordinator, Dane County Public Health Department, Wisconsin Women’s 

Cancer Control Program (1993-1995)