Hallo, my name is Karen Stinchfield and I am a junior here at NAU studying elementary and special education. I love life and all the opportunities that the world has to offer out there. I love traveling to see the uniqueness and beauty of this world. Unfortunately there just isn't time to see it all, or even close! Some of my other hobbies include hiking, rock climbing, involvement at the Catholic Newman Center and learning to play the guitar.

I have a very special family and they mean the world to me. I am the youngest of four children. My sister, who is my ultimate role-model is in Russia for two years in the Peace Corps. My oldest brother just became a father about a month ago...our family was blessed with a beautiful baby a few days after Christmas. My other brother is going to be studying pre-med down in Phoenix. My mom just graduated college and my dad just got a new job for a beginning internet company. I am so proud of my entire family.

I was born in Toronto Canada and then moved to Chicago for about 12 years and then moved to Phoenix. I came to NAU because I wanted to go to a school out of the heat, but not to far away from home.

When I was growing up in Chicago my next door neighbor was mentally retarded. I was scared of him when I was younger because he looked different, but as I matured I realized what a truly amazing person he was. I loved seeing him and hanging out with him and I would get very protective of him when friends would make fun of him. My sister was a special Ed teacher down in Phoenix before she left for Russia and I used to love going to her classes during my breaks. Seeing her teach and how lively her classes were is what pushed me over the edge to major in special education. I am excited for this major and all the opportunities I will have.

Currently I am looking into some sort of service organization such as Americorps or the JVC to volunteer with for a couple years after I graduate before starting to teach and I hope to use my talents and knowledge about special education in the communities I serve in!