Karen Black

Karen's path to becoming a rehabilitation professional...
After focusing on assisting individuals with a return to school as an Adult Basic Education and GED teacher, I was hired by a Vocational Consulting company to assist individuals with disabilities with various vocational issues. This was my first introduction into this career field and I was then able to sit for the CRC exam. I established my own private practice in 1996 and have enjoyed the field ever since.

Karen's rehabilitation education...
I have a Master's degree in Adult Education and Counseling from Montana State University as well as certifications as a CRC, CDMS, and CCM.

How Karen developed her practice...
My practice has grown from working primarily in the Worker's Compensation arena to primarily the forensic and Social Security arenas.

Karen's "Ah-Ha!" moments that shaped her rehabilitation career path...
The moment that has most shaped my career path is when I made the decision to open my own private practice. I have not regretted that decision for one moment.

Karen's outside interests that have inform/influence her work...
Given that the beginning of my career was from an educational or teaching perspective, I am always most encouraging of the individuals I work with to continue their education if at all possible in order to broaden choices in the world of work.

How IARP has served Karen's career...
I always appreciate the conferences and learning opportunities provided by IARP. They are what keep me connected in this field on a larger scale and provide the connections to others in the field with whom I can share ideas thoughts and situations.

Karen's advice would to folks considering a career as a rehabilitation professional?
I would highly encourage an individual to enter this career field. I do not the need for experts in this field dwindling anytime soon. In fact, since the economic issues in this country have increased, so have the number of referrals for my services. I do not like the aging population of professionals that I see at the conferences and will be seeking a younger person to come on board with me in the near future to whom I can impart my earned wisdom and experience and, hopefully, get him/her off onto a fulfilling career path.