Karen Doerr, M.A.

Professional Background

She has spent most of her life in education, first as a student and later as a teacher. After earning her master’s degree in English literature from UMKC, she worked for more than a decade as a tutor at the UMKC Writing Lab, where she often worked with international students. Her interest in the different ways people approach writing led her to pursue a master’s degree in applied linguistics at UMass Boston.

After graduating, she taught ESL to adults in the Boston area before returning to Kansas City, where she taught ESL to high school students and adults. She eventually joined the KUMC Writing Center, where she enjoys working one-on-one with university students. She finds helping students achieve their goals of becoming health care professionals both challenging and rewarding.

As a teacher, student, and writer, she believes there is no single right way to approach writing. Her goal is to collaborate with students throughout the writing process—from brainstorming and research to organization, drafting, and revision—and help them discover strategies that work best for them.

Outside of work, she enjoys taking long walks, reading and participating in a virtual book club, traveling, and trying new recipes with family and friends.

KUMC Writing Center
G011 Dykes Library
3901 Rainbow Blvd.
Mail Stop 4006
Kansas City, KS 66160
P: 913-945-8477
F: 913-588-6597

• M.A. in Applied Linguistics, University of Massachusetts, Boston
• B.A. and M.A. in English Literature, University of Missouri-Kansas City