Karen Scheaffer is a Professional Learning Facilitator for the GEAR UP for LIFE grant. After completing her BA (Hons) in Music at the University of Southampton, Karen undertook a Postgraduate Certificate of Education at Canterbury Christ Church University and went on to pursue a career in music education. She worked for 13 years in UK schools, teaching Music, Music Technology, and Theatre Studies, and leading school House systems. In 2011, she moved to Dubai to work in an international setting as Head of Music and Houses at GEMS Wellington International School and in 2015 was invited to become the Manager of GEMS Music Hub and Leader of the GEMS Performing Arts Network. In this capacity, she was able to develop and improve teaching and learning as well as design and implement a variety of performance opportunities, arts events, and competitions for students. Karen relocated to Oklahoma in 2020 where she studied and achieved with Distinction her MA in Music Psychology in Education, Performance, and Wellbeing with the University of Sheffield. She believes that learning should be student-centered, focused on meeting the needs of the individual, and promoting student autonomy, preparing students to become well-rounded and well-adjusted members of society. As an active musician, she enjoys networking with other professionals in the education sector and beyond, collaborating with fellow educators and keeping abreast of research in education and music psychology to facilitate and support continued professional development.