Karen Holdsworth

Karen was born profoundly deaf and was educated in an "Oral" setting. Having dedicated her life to working with young Deaf people has enabled Karen to be skilled in many areas. Initially Karen was employed as a Social Work Assistant which later led to employment as a Youth Worker and currently works within Education, working with Deaf children and Adults.
Karen is a well respected member of the Deaf Community and has been involved in setting up many groups supporting both Deaf people and hearing students learning British Sign Language and issues pertaining to Deaf Community and Culture. With a wealth of experience and involvement in The National Deaf Children's Society, Deaf Caravanning and Camping Club, Local Deaf Clubs, Women's Adventure Group, Federation for Deaf People and The British Deaf Association Karen's warm sense of humour, knowledge and understanding puts even the most nervous of students at ease.
Qualifications: As well as qualifications in Youth Work, Karen has also obtained:

• CACDP British Sign Language Stage 1 and 2, NVQ 3 in BSL
• CACDP Foundation Certificate in Deaf Studies
• City and Guilds 7407 Teaching Adults in Further Education
• Counselling Concepts Level 1

She has attended all CACDP curriculum training for all the Deaf Studies Foundation Modules and Karen is also an approved assessor for CACDP's Communication Tactics with Deaf People.