Born in Jamaica, Karlene’s parents immigrated to Miami, Florida in hopes of obtaining a better lifestyle and affording their children greater opportunities in life. Their move was not in vain. Karlene graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Development and a minor In Sociology. Karlene has always had a passion for helping out others and was actively involved in the community in college which prompted her to continue in her education studies and obtain a degree in social work. Karlene moved to Georgia and in 2004, Karlene graduated from the University of Georgia with a Masters in Social Work and immediately started working with the Department of Children and Families. Karlene is currently working in the medical field at a local Central Florida Hospital, has married her high school sweetheart and they have a beautiful daughter.