Resource Types
Supporting early childhood professionals worldwide in
their efforts to craft thriving environments for children and adults.
Meet the Author of Parenting Exchange
Karen Stephens
Karen Stephens, M.S. in education, specializing in early childhood, began her professional career as a teacher in a preschool classroom 1975.
In 1980, she became Director of the accredited Illinois State University Child Care Center. Since 1980, Ms. Stephens has also taught child development and guidance courses for the ISU's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Karen's college students acquire direct experience working with children and families through weekly participation in the Child Care Center she manages.
Karen's background has given her a wealth of "hands on" experience working one-on-one with a diverse array of children and families. Her 30 year career gives her an "up close and personal" view into contemporary family life. All those experiences inform and support the parenting insights and recommendations Karen shares in her Parenting Exchange columns. They undoubtedly contribute to her unique style of connecting with parents in a common-sense, empathetic and practical manner.
Karen also conducts parenting seminars for hospitals, corporate wellness programs, universities and community-based agencies. Throughout her career she has been a media resource on child and family issues for magazines such as Parents and Parenting; authored two books, and published hundreds of professional articles.
Her pride and joy: seeing families flourish as they savor life together;
including her own.