Karen James is the mother of two daughters, one of whom has an intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) and is medically complex. In 2025, Ms. James founded, "Speaking of Special Needs" (www.speakingofspecialneeds.org) to share her perspective as a parent and advocate with schools, nursing agencies, non-profit organizations, faith-based groups, and the community at-large. Karen has served on the board of the A-Team DE (www.ateamde.org) since 2022 as Secretary and as a member of the Outreach Committee. Prior to her advocacy roles, she worked for 30 years in marketing and public relations for several non-profits in Delaware and was a freelance features writer for various publications. In her 'free' time (always relatively speaking when you're a special needs parent), Karen enjoys musicals (Sound of Music is the GOAT!) and rooting for all Pittsburgh sports teams.