Karen Jean Matsko Hood began her professional writing career later in life than she expected. She is now a prolific writer of fiction, non-fiction and poetry for adults and children. Hood’s first books of poetry present a distinctive combination of themes and poetic formats. Both her fiction and non-fiction exhibit a unique voice of compassion and purpose. Hood’s writing is strong-minded yet lyrical. She is a meticulous wordsmith and writes with passion. Her blend of traditionalism and modernism brings a current freshness and uniqueness to her poetic voice. She is versatile in her writing style and deals with a wide range of themes and topics. Her writing has been published in a myriad of magazines and publications and on an international level.

Hood is a certified teacher in Washington and Idaho. Hood is in currently certified to teach in the State of Washington in the areas of anthropology, psychology, sociology, biology and comparative religions for grades 6-12. She is also certified to teach in the State of Idaho in the areas of anthropology, sociology, psychology, and biology science for grades 6-12. She incorporates her experience and research into her writings. She is especially interested in researching the principles of leadership and finding improved methods in education. She also strives to find ways to improve the current educational system. Hood is a member for the Center of Organizational Reform (COR), which advocates using leadership skills to bring about positive changes in organizations, communities, and schools.

As a speaker, Hood has appeared on many talk radio shows throughout the nation. She is interviewed about her writing, research completed for her books, and also answers questions as to what inspired her to write on some troubling issues in today’s society. If you would like to invite Karen Jean Matsko Hood to speak to your group or organization, may contact Ms. Hood with the information provided below.  She would be happy to get in touch with you to set up arrangements for speaking to your group.

Karen Jean Matsko Hood is an avid child advocate. She works with children as a foster parent in the State of Washington as well as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer and Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in the Spokane juvenile court system. Hood and her husband exhibit a strong passion to advocate for the rights of abused and neglected children on a local, national and international level. Hood is also an advocate of literacy for children and is currently interested in conducting research in this area. She has written many articles advocating for foster children and adoption. Hood writes to share experiences of the children who have no voice that she encounters in her daily work.

Hood was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. She attended the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University in Minnesota. She received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science and minored in both psychology and secondary education from the College of St. Benedict. After graduating, Karen and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hood also completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. She has also completed post-graduate classes at North Idaho College in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Hood is currently working to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University. She will continue to report her research findings in her new writing.

With her husband, ten children and foster children, Hood currently resides in Greenacres, Washington. Her interests include writing, researching, teaching, and volunteering as a child advocate. Hood also is a literary advocate for youth and adults. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, photography, raising Icelandic horses and Icelandic sheepdogs, indoor and outdoor gardening and cultivating unusual flowering plants and orchids. Hood also enjoys observing hummingbirds and other bird-watching activities.  She demonstrates a passionate appreciation of nature and the environment.