Karen Phillips
I grew up moving around the oil fields of West Texas and New Mexico. I started 1st grade when I was five years old because my brother is 11 months younger than me, and my parents didn't want others to think we were twins. My family finally settled in Odessa when I was a preteen. I graduated from Permian High School in 1974. Go MOJO! I attended Odessa College, Southwest Texas State(as it was known then), and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. I graduated from UTPB in 1980 and had my first daughter three months later. I have two grown daughters and six grandchildren living in the Metroplex. Praise God! Even as a young child, God put it in my heart to be a teacher. That has never wavered. I began my teaching career in Odessa in 1981 and retired in 2009. All 28 of those years were spent at the same elementary school. I immediately began to substitute that same year and did that until I re-entered the classroom full-time in 2012 at my neighborhood school. Again, I re-retired in 2016 to move to be near my children and grandchildren. That began my 'kingdom' teaching in another Christian school and, eventually, at CCA.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A teacher
Why do you choose to work at CCA? To disciple the next generation
What is one fun fact about you? I don't like my food to touch.
What is your favorite book of all time? The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren - It speaks to the basics of walking with the Lord.
What is one thing that can instantly make your day better? A hug from a former student
What do you like to do for fun? Scrapbook
