Karen Votraw-Gysen has 40 years experience in education as an English teacher, Nationally Board Certified counselor and program administrator. During her career she served on numerous professional & non-profit organizations. She has presented at State, Regional and National Conventions. She has been published in a variety of local and regional magazines. Her article in Adirondack Life magazine was also published in the magazine’s first 10 year anthology Adirondack Places and Pleasures. She has volunteered in local fundraising events and children’s programs. Additionally, she loves to travel with her husband, and is an avid camper & canoeist working at one time for CANOE, USA and Voyageur Outward Bound. In 2007, she was appointed by the Governor of Nevada to serve as a member of the Commission on Professional Standards in Education. Her goal in retirement is to amuse herself and children through writing.