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Portrait of Karen Scarpella

Karen Scarpella

Adjunct Instructor: Psychology, Sociology and Women & Gender Studies

Educational Background

  • 2010 - PhD, Social Work; University of Denver
  • 1998 - MSW, Social Work; Temple University
  • 1997 - BSW, Social Work; Temple University 

Professional Background

Karen is originally from Minnesota and came to Colorado by way of Wisconsin and Pennsylvania in pursuit of her higher education goals. She earned her LCSW and worked in private practice as a transgender specialist. After earning her PhD, Karen worked for several years as the Executive Director and Clinical Director of The Gender Identity Center of Colorado.

After a two-week flirtation with retirement, Karen decided to return to her original goal of teaching college. She found a home at Aims and moved to Greeley in 2018 to teach Women and Gender Studies, Psychology, and Sociology. While developing her teaching style, Karen discovered a love and passion for Learner-Centered Teaching and hasn’t looked back.

Personal Interests

Karen’s other interests include event planning, singing Barbershop, yodeling, figure skating, musical theatre, and gardening. Stemming from her couple of years working on a farm, she also enjoys driving tractors and other large machines. In addition to teaching, Karen is also a member of Aims’ grounds crew!