Kirby, Karen

Deaf either at birth or soon after, at Ocala, FL; mainstreamed in private school kindergarten through second grade and public schools third grade through high school in both Florida and Georgia. Tried the University of Georgia briefly but soon transferred to East Tennessee State University, graduating 1977. Taught fifth grade in a regular public school (one of the few deaf teachers of regular school classes); married and divorced; got a master's degree about 1985. Worked as a counselor at Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf as counselor and teacher. Beginning 1996, began working as a counselor for special students in a public elementary school.