May 21, 2026
Congratulations to Karen Kuhr, Cassette House paraeducator, on being recognized as the 2026 Operations Employee of the Year!
The CPS Foundation in partnership with Bob & Chris Markham were honored to celebrate Karen yesterday at the CPS Employee Celebration. Her dedication, compassion, and the positive impact she makes each day for the students she works with is truly amazing!
One nominator stated, " Karen's ability to innovate and continuously improve her methods of supporting students is remarkable. Her passion is perhaps best illustrated by her work with a student facing significant sensory challenges. This student struggled deeply with various textures and with water — barriers that often limit opportunities in community work settings. Rather than allowing these obstacles to persist, Karen drew on decades of expertise to craft a tailored solution that met the student's specific needs."
"Because of Karen's persistence, that student is now thriving at a job site they truly love, successfully navigating a "wet and dirty" environment they once feared. They have opened up socially and emotionally, gaining a level of independence that once seemed unreachable. A once-daunting barrier was dismantled through Karen's compassionate advocacy."
Thank you for the difference you make through service, kindness and advocacy.
The CPS Foundation in partnership with Bob & Chris Markham were honored to celebrate Karen yesterday at the CPS Employee Celebration. Her dedication, compassion, and the positive impact she makes each day for the students she works with is truly amazing!
One nominator stated, " Karen's ability to innovate and continuously improve her methods of supporting students is remarkable. Her passion is perhaps best illustrated by her work with a student facing significant sensory challenges. This student struggled deeply with various textures and with water — barriers that often limit opportunities in community work settings. Rather than allowing these obstacles to persist, Karen drew on decades of expertise to craft a tailored solution that met the student's specific needs."
"Because of Karen's persistence, that student is now thriving at a job site they truly love, successfully navigating a "wet and dirty" environment they once feared. They have opened up socially and emotionally, gaining a level of independence that once seemed unreachable. A once-daunting barrier was dismantled through Karen's compassionate advocacy."
Thank you for the difference you make through service, kindness and advocacy.