Karen Phillips, the Child Nutrition Manager at East Aiken School of the Arts, celebrated her 12th year with the Child Nutrition Program this October. The New York State native began her journey of shaping young lives in the classroom, where she taught students from K2 – 12th grade for 17 years. Driven by her dedication to student well-being, she knew that she would continue to serve students in whatever capacity she could. After relocating to South Carolina, Karen kept this at the forefront of her mind when searching for a new career path, ultimately leading her to where she is today.
Karen began her journey with Child Nutrition in the kitchen at Busbee Elementary/ A. L. Corbett Middle School just over 12 years ago. Within just three months, her exceptional leadership skills led to the offer to become the Child Nutrition Manager at East Aiken School of the Arts. Coming from a background in teaching, Karen is committed to ensuring that students receive the nutrition necessary to help them thrive in the classroom, and helps them gain a deeper understanding of the role food plays in their overall well-being. She finds that a great way to accomplish this is to provide them with hands-on learning opportunities through her Youth Advisory Council meetings, empowering students to take charge of their nutritional choices.
Karen’s passion for her work is fueled by love—love for her students, staff, and her mission to support their health. She is excited to continue to grow her student's understanding of nutrition, placing an emphasis on proper nutrition being a cornerstone of academic success.
Outside of the kitchen, Karen continues to inspire through her devotion to her family and church. As a family-oriented individual, she treasures time spent with loved ones and finds joy in actively participating in her church community.
