Karen Cook

Karen Cook, Independent Living Specialist/Transition
Core Staff/Lapeer County

Karen Cook is an Independent Living Specialist specializing in providing School to Life Transition classes for students with disabilities in Lapeer County. She works closely with parents, educators and the community to ensure students are provided the knowledge and information needed to live and work independently. Karen is responsible for the planning and facilitating of the Summer Youth Leadership Program of the BWCIL. Her expertise is in her ability to advocate on behalf of those unable to speak out and training others to advocate on their own behalf.

When joining the BWCIL staff, Karen brought with her over 20 years of experience advocating for the needs of students with disabilities. She was a parent trainer with the Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education (CAUSE) for 10 years and the chairperson for the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) at the Lapeer Co. ISD for 11 years. For three years, Karen was appointed by former Governor Engler to serve on the first Michigan Transition Council, to address the educational outcomes and life options for Michigan students with disabilities. In addition, she was also a parent trainer for the Statewide Transition Project and the Transition Services Project. Karen also graduated from the first class of Michigan Partners in Policymaking, a leadership training designed to give individuals the necessary skills to effectively work with legislators, state agencies, and others whose decisions have an impact on the lives of persons with disabilities. She was also an ASSEST volunteer for Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service, assisting families in understanding the IEP process to obtain an appropriate education for their child. Karen has successfully completed the Employment Training Specialist Certification Program through Michigan State University. Karen is a past recipient of the 2008 BWCIL Shining Star Award and the 2008 Lapeer County Points of Pride Award.

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