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About
the Author, Karen Matsko Hood
Karen Jean Matsko Hood began writing
as a shy author, but has now developed a voice all her own. Her writing
always exhibits a unique story as well as a voice of empathy and
purpose. Hood’s writing is strong-minded. She is a meticulous wordsmith
and combines information with compassion. Hood has always loved children
and is devoted to their needs. It is only natural that she would channel
her efforts to include children’s books and poetry.
Hood writes
about personal and spiritual themes. She also reminds us of the
importance of our links with nature and the environment in our daily
lives. Hood is passionate both as a feminist and as an active children’s
rights advocate. She also works to encourage literacy for all ages. Her
writing carries the urgency and outrage of current social injustice and
inequality. The recurring theme in Hood’s work is to provide a voice for
those whose struggles cannot be heard. Hood’s writing brings poignancy
to the most hopeless of situations, yet she remains optimistic in her
quest for dignity and social justice.
Hood’s blend
of traditionalism and modernism brings a current freshness and poignancy
to her own poetic voice. She is versatile in her writing style and is
able to incorporate a wide range of themes and topics. Her poems have
been published in a myriad of magazines and publications on an
international level.
Hood was born and raised in Great
Falls, Montana. As an undergraduate she attended the College of St.
Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota and St. John’s University in
Collegeville, Minnesota. She also attended the University of Great Falls
in Montana for an interim class. Hood 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 US Virgin Islands.
Hood also completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa, in
Iowa City, Iowa. In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in
Pastoral Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She has
also taken post-graduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North
Idaho College campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hood is currently working
on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at
Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.
Along with
her husband and twelve children, Hood currently resides in Greenacres,
Washington. Her interests include writing, teaching, and volunteering as
a court advocate in the juvenile court system for abused and neglected
children. Hood also is a literacy advocate for youth and adults. Her
hobbies include cooking, baking, photography, raising Icelandic Horses,
Icelandic Sheepdogs, bishon frise, cockapoos, and rescue cats. Hood also
enjoys indoor and greenhouse gardening, and cultivating unusual
flowering plants and orchids. Hood also spends time observing
hummingbirds and other bird-watching activities. Hood finds all aspects
of nature precious and demonstrates a passionate appreciation of the
environment and a respect for all life. |
