Humans of WISD: Meet Karrie

"My journey in education began in 1995 when I was first hired as an elementary teacher at Willow Run. Throughout my career, I've taught in various settings, buildings and grades, eventually specializing in early childhood special education. My connection to the Ypsilanti area runs deep. I grew up in local apartments, ran a licensed daycare while studying to become a teacher, and now serve families in the same neighborhoods where I once lived. My husband and I have four grown children, and I'm a grandmother. My personal history allows me to relate intimately to the families I support. 

Our family's roots in the community and my ongoing commitment to local children make my current role feel like a true calling. A lot of my work involves supporting families navigating complex systems, particularly those with children who might have autism or developmental challenges. I connect families with local resources, explain assessment processes, and provide guidance with school service transitions. I tell parents often, "I'm not the magic here. It's what you do with what I bring in your home. You guys are the magic." 

I give them the tools to help their little ones, whether it's social, communication, sensory concerns, or any other area of difficulty. It's about empowering parents to give their kids what they need to be functional at home in their daily routines.

As these kids are getting closer to turning three years old, they start transitioning from us to the local district. So, what can we do to help parents prepare for that? Oftentimes, it's a world that they don't know anything about. They're not familiar with school districts, who the staff are, and how an assessment works at the next level. Having taught for almost 25 years for Willow Run and Ypsilanti Schools, and having classrooms in both buildings that my little ones may go to, I have an inside perspective that truly helps parents prepare and feel comfortable as they’re entering the next chapter in their lives.

I feel like my work is more like a ministry rather than a job. My approach is deeply personal and about relationships. I believe building trust with parents is crucial. By sharing my own experiences as a mother and by being vulnerable, I help parents feel understood and supported. They realize, "Okay, I'm not the only one to experience this. There's other people that have been on this side of the table, hearing their child needs extra support." I've had a lot of parents that are grateful that I've shared some of that personal stuff with them.

I have an amazing team of people that I work with in Early On. And I work with very beautiful families who want what's best for their babies. There are so many wonderful stories of kids that have just made amazing gains, and it's a beautiful thing to watch happen. The other day, I was driving to a home visit, and I got stuck behind a bus. Then I saw the house of one of my former little friends who's now in school. And then, she got off the bus and walked into the house! I had a few minutes, so I pulled in and did a quick little visit with her family. When she had first started school, she wasn't talking yet. But that day, she looked right at me and said, "Hi, Miss Karrie!" It was the first time I heard her say my name! 

I've been in this role for eight years, and it doesn't feel like it at all. I'm grateful to continue serving the Ypsilanti community where my family has deep roots, and I feel like God has ordered my footsteps exactly where I'm supposed to be right now."

Inspired by (and with special permission from!) the original "Humans of New York," the "Humans of WISD" storytelling project is uncovering what drives our WISD team and why they're passionate about their work in the district and in our community. See all of our Humans of WISD stories here.