My name is Karen Villarias. I am the technology/STEM teacher for the 2021-2022 school year. This is my seventh year at St. Susanna, and I am very excited to be part of the St. Susanna community. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, graduated from Marian High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, and graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Also, I have endorsements in Computers and Gifted and Talented Education. I live in Brownsburg with my husband, Gino, two daughters, Abi(16) and Marina(14), and our dog, Buddy. We belong to St. Malachy Parish. Abi and Marina attend Cardinal Ritter High School. I have been involved in education for over 30 years. I started my career at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School in Elkhart, Indiana teaching 2nd grade. The rest of my experience has been at St. Monica Catholic School in Indianapolis. I taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grade as well as 5th and 6th grade science. My hobbies include enjoying outdoor activities, especially gardening and hiking. I am a leader for my daughter’s girl scout troop and help to facilitate STEM activities for The Stem Connection @ Moore Road. Some activities that I have checked off my “bucket list” are climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, and hiking inside Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii. I hope to hike on a glacier in the future. Finally, an ironic tidbit is that I dislike flying, but married a pilot.