I’d like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I was born here in Atlanta and, with the exception of brief stints in Tennessee and Kansas, I grew up in nearby DeKalb County. Believe it or not, both my husband’s family and mine live right here in the metro area - which is really nice for our children.

Prior to the birth of my second daughter and becoming a full-time Stay-At–Home Mom, I worked 17 years for an apparel manufacturing company in Atlanta. For the first seven years I worked my way through the payroll department and then transferred to Credit/Accounts Receivables where I was the Systems Specialist and A/R Manager – managing 4 women in a department of 18. I met the love of my life and best friend at the same company. His name is John and this year is our 13th anniversary. We have two beautiful daughters, Emily is 10 going into the 5th grade and Katie is 8 going into 3rd grade. Both of my children attended preschool and Kindergarten at SMPK. I enjoy reading, movies, crafts, photography and volunteering at my daughters' elementary school.

This is my 5th year teaching at SMPK. Before joining the staff here I was involved in the school as a parent volunteer and substitute teacher. My (earlier in life) desire to teach young children has been re-awakened and I feel blessed to have the chance to live that dream.

Karlene's Favorites:
Favorite things:	purple, Christmas season, dogs, books, flowers, word puzzles & sudoku, country music
Favorite things to eat:	iced sweet tea, Coca-Cola, chocolate, all kinds of M&M's, ice cream cones, Thanksgiving dinner, pizza, spaghetti
Favorite places to shop:	Michaels, Barnes and Noble, Books a Million, Target, Bath and Body Works
Favorite Places to Eat:	Red Lobster, Outback, Johnny’s Pizza
Favorite Scents:	gardenia and peach, Midnight Pomegranate & Carried Away (@ Bath & Body Works)