About me
Dr. Karen F. Tardrew is a tenured Professor and Chair of Learning Sciences in Education at National Louis University, where she has served for over 33 years as a scholar, leader, and innovator in educator development. Her teaching and research explore the intersections of visual literacy, educator wellness, reflective practice, and holistic education, drawing on visual methodologies, narrative inquiry, and self-study to support the personal and professional flourishing of educators.An internationally recognized leader in visual literacy, Dr. Tardrew is Past President and Executive Board Member of the International Visual Literacy Association (IVLA) and recipient of the 2023 John L. Debes Award. She has keynoted at Nagoya University of the Arts in Japan representing IVLA and chaired IVLA's landmark 50th Annual Conference.Beyond the classroom, Dr. Tardrew brings an entrepreneurial and healing-centered spirit to her work. She founded Grasshopper Goods, Wisconsin's first award-winning mobile artisan boutique, and currently leads Kuren Healing, a holistic wellness practice integrating Reiki, ritual, and reflective inquiry for educator renewal. As a certified Reiki Master Practitioner, mother, and grandmother, she models the integration of mind, body, and spirit across every dimension of her life and leadership.
