Karen M. Wicks holds a doctorate from New York University and has taught in middle and high school and at the college level. She has served as director for curriculum and instructional development at the College Board. She and her husband Les co-founded a supplemental education company and the K-12 public school, Royal Live Oaks Academy of the Arts & Sciences Charter School, in South Carolina, where Karen has been the Executive Director/CEO since 2012. Her creative pursuits include writing, singing, cooking, collecting art, designing, and gardening. Les and Karen have traveled widely and feel blessed to have made many long-lasting friendships.