Student Life Director
Ms. Karie Karasiak
Introduction
Hola! My name is Karie Karasiak. I am the Student Life Director of Encuentro 
Dominicano and am part of the Division of Student Services. The name of the program, Encuentro Dominicano, literally means “Dominican Encounter” and helping Creighton students to understand, feel and connect to Dominican culture is one of my major goals. In doing so, I will lead extra-curricular activities and offer various opportunities for students to step inside the Dominican experience. Students can expect to participate in two ten-day immersions, in which they will stay with caring, Dominican host families, service projects, several cultural excursions, and individual and shared reflections. There will also be time for students to visit some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and significant historical sites. Above all, my main priorities are the students’ health and safety. I will familiarize students to issues pertaining to their health and safety as well as provide continuous support throughout the semester.
Education
Currently working on thesis to obtain Master of Arts in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies with a concentration in Comparative and International Education, Loyola University Chicago, 2008-present.
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for Social and Community Services, Saint Xavier University Chicago, 2005.
Background
I was born and raised in a Polish, Catholic family in South Bend, Indiana. In college, I played both volleyball and softball along with my twin sister. Before my junior year, I did a short, intensive study-abroad program in Ecuador. My senior year, I was a Residential Assistant for a freshman dorm. I volunteered regularly for the after-school program for at-risk youth at the YMCA in the largest Hispanic neighborhood in Chicago.
After graduation, I became a Peace Corps Volunteer, which was something that I had always said that I wanted to do. I was fortunate enough to be sent to the Dominican Republic and worked in community economic development and education. I lived in the small, rural community of Los Tocones in the Samaná Peninsula where I worked with a Dominican/Italian environmental group to help promote their iguana conservation project as an ecotourism site. I also led the “Environmental Arts Education Initiative” in the local school as well as installed the community’s first youth library.
After my Peace Corps service, I worked as the Program Coordinator of the Hispanic/Latino Health Coalition of Elkhart County near my hometown. I was most recently a Spanish instructor at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.
I love Latin dancing, all types of music, and creative arts. I owe many thanks to my parents, grandparents, and sisters who have given me much inspiration, love and consistent support.