Testimonials
Smriti Jacob, managing editor,
Rochester Beacon
"As producer of the Beacon's high-profile online events, Karen ensures that we have
high-quality and technically seamless presentations. Both before and during the events, Karen is always highly professional: focused, efficient, creative — and fun to
work with! Whenever we consider a new event, one of the first questions we ask is, 'Will Karen be available?'"
Mike Smoczyk, director of professional development, Kraus-Anderson Cos.
"Among the people Karen coached for us were four veteran project managers — seasoned, LEED-certified content experts. Afterward, each came to me independently
and reported that their work with Karen was one of the best interactions they’d ever had.”
Dr. Allison Rossett, professor emerita, educational technology,
San Diego State University
“Karen is no-nonsense. She assessed my familiarity with a new distance-learning system and did not overdo her ministrations to me."
Jennifer Ransley, vice president, Hearing First LLC
"As our facilitators have adopted some of Karen’s methods to create more engaging sessions, we see our participants really valuing those high-caliber learning experiences, engaging via chat, and asking meaningful questions."
Heidi M. Fisk, co-founder, The eLearning Guild
“Karen was critical to The eLearning Guild’s success over nearly 20 years in developing a broad, in-depth array of online programs. We pioneered new approaches and formats that nobody else in the industry was doing. ... Karen inspired us to explore how online platforms could be used as an instructional tool. We pioneered and developed an income-generating model that provided an excellent learning structure.
“Karen is the best in the industry for online event production and online coaching. ... She doesn’t hold back; she’s always learning and honing her skills, and then she selflessly passes that on to the people she works with.”
Curt Valmy, chief communicator, OM-Tech Learning
“Since the early 2000s, Karen has been a leading force in positively transitioning the industry from classroom to virtual training. More than most trainers at that time, she was articulating how specific classroom techniques could be reimagined to succeed in a distance environment by using technology in even more innovative ways to engage learners, create meaningful interactions, and achieve learning objectives.”
Steve Haskin, chief creator, Industrial Strength Learning
”Karen excels where most trainers do not: She listens and adapts her teaching to what her students need and are ready to hear. ... She understands that the student is more important than her ego.”
Stephen Haskin, chief creator, Industrial Strength Learning
Tazneen Kasem, former director, Product Management, CompTIA Inc.
“Karen served on the advisory committee that helped CompTIA enhance the Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) certification. Years before webinars became popular, Karen had a vision for how virtual-classroom training would grow, and she pushed CompTIA to expand CTT+ from classroom training only to encompass the virtual model, which we launched in 2008. Today, most instructors are expected to deliver in both physical and virtual classrooms.”
“Karen continues to support CTT+ by presenting at conferences, and using the CTT+ domains in her own work to ensure adherence to our quality standards. She also has coached and trained
CompTIA’s people in developing their own presentation skills, and has presented to our customers and prospects.”
Gary VanAntwerp, VP, communities,
and executive producer, webinars,
Lakewood Media Group
“I’ve never met anyone who can match Karen’s depth of skill and understanding in both presenting and coaching. Her gift is in executing those skills herself and in helping develop them in others. Many presenters just think about their slides and what they
want to say, not how to engage the audience. But Karen coaches presenters to encourage audience behavior that helps the audience grasp and synthesize the message."
"When I began working with Karen, I discovered that my in-person facilitation skills did not automatically translate to an online space. I have since learned that, when I let go of some control and trust Karen, I discover her head-full of ideas that I didn’t even know existed.
“I’ve also learned that it’s OK if I’m not yet super-comfy in the online classroom, because Karen is, and that’s enough to make online learning a smashing success. Her gentle but clear coaching supports me and the learners from prep to wrap.
“Karen will lead you to love your online classrooms!”
Beth Walker-Wooten, professional learning coordinator, Hearing First LLC