My name is Karen Villarias. I am the technology/STEM teacher and the robotics coach for the 2022-2023 school year. This is my eighth 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(17) and Marina(15), and our dog, Buddy. We belong to St. Malachy Parish. Abi and Marina attend Cardinal Ritter High School with Abi being a senior this year!. 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. 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.