About the Author

Dr. Karen January is an educator and author with (25) years experience in the capacity of High School Guidance Counselor and Behavioral Specialist in the CPS system, ten years as an Administrative Assistant in an Alternative High School, and an adjunct Professor of Psychology at Chicago State University. Early on in her teaching career she got a crazy idea to quit and see the world. She pressed the pause button and chose a second career as a flight attendant. This afforded her the opportunity to study other cultures, learn more about human behavior, and visit places she had only dreamed of. After (14) years of traveling domestically and internationally she returned to education. During this time Dr. January implemented numerous school and community outreach programs. She collaborated with businesses, industry and social agencies to provide a network of services and resources to benefit both students and parents. The programs she initiated were a Big Brother Big Sister Peer Mentoring Program, Peer Prevention Program (drug awareness), and The Divas (Daughters Interested in Visiting a New Attitude) raising young girls to become responsible women. Her nontraditional teaching and counseling style earned her the prestigious Oppenheimer Family Foundation Award. She received a monetary grant for her programs to continue enriching the educational lives of her students. Dr. January has a B.S. in Special Education with a minor in Psychology, an M.S. Ed. In Counseling and Guidance (Community Mental Health/Education), and an Ed. D. in Educational Leadership. She has written several articles for Dunamis Magazine, published by "Dee" Collins, and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. January resides in Chicago with her family.