Karen Orlando

Karen Orlando completed her undergraduate studies in education and psychology at Westfield State University. After graduating she began work as a teacher at the New England Center for Children in Southboro, MA while working on her M.S. Ed. for Intensive Special Needs at Simmons College. Orlando next worked as an autism specialist in the elementary schools of Easthampton Public Schools for five years and then branched out starting a consulting business for teachers and families of children with special needs, specializing in autism. Orlando provided consultation services to educators and families of children with special needs and provided social skill instruction for young children. Orlando also worked with Measured Progress and the Massachusetts Department of Education to write the Educator’s Manual and Resource Guide MCAS Alternate Assessment and assisted with providing teacher training throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Orlando moved to Waynesboro, Virginia in 2016 with her two daughters and husband. She has two adult children living in MA. She has been working to build the Blue Ridge Children’s Museum in Waynesboro, Virginia to bring more family-centered activities to that area. She also teaches yoga to children and adults. She is now a family navigator for the Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) initiative.

M.S.Ed., Simmons College
B.S., Westfield State University