
Karen A. Gloyer's professional experience spans the fields of education, social work, human resources and recruiting. She earned a B.A. in Social Work (Memphis) as well as dual Master degrees in Social Work (Michigan) and Special Education (Fairfield University). Karen has served in leadership roles for the University of Michigan's Alumni Association in both Connecticut and Virginia. She has been recognized for her talents in military recruiting and awarded for her work with veterans and their families.
Karen's life took an unexpected turn when she started experiencing complicated, debilitating physical symptoms that remained undiagnosed for fourteen years. After more than a decade of hardship and pain, she was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. Although she's learned how to weave life around Lyme, Karen's most recent teaching position at Lynnhaven Academy (Virginia) was cut short by a recurrence of the disease.
Karen's story is emblematic of the struggles too often accompanying Lyme diagnosis, as well as a testament to her tremendous resilience of spirit. Despite ongoing challenges, Karen remains passionate about educating children, families, and medical professionals about Lyme disease. She hopes that Nick, the No Good, Icky Tick will help others learn about Lyme disease and inspire prevention. Karen lives in Richmond, Virginia with her favorite four-footed friends, Chowser and Kelly, and her special two-footed love, Bill.
(Karen Gloyer pictured with Chowser, her 70-lb yellow lab/husky mix)
Karen's life took an unexpected turn when she started experiencing complicated, debilitating physical symptoms that remained undiagnosed for fourteen years. After more than a decade of hardship and pain, she was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. Although she's learned how to weave life around Lyme, Karen's most recent teaching position at Lynnhaven Academy (Virginia) was cut short by a recurrence of the disease.
Karen's story is emblematic of the struggles too often accompanying Lyme diagnosis, as well as a testament to her tremendous resilience of spirit. Despite ongoing challenges, Karen remains passionate about educating children, families, and medical professionals about Lyme disease. She hopes that Nick, the No Good, Icky Tick will help others learn about Lyme disease and inspire prevention. Karen lives in Richmond, Virginia with her favorite four-footed friends, Chowser and Kelly, and her special two-footed love, Bill.
(Karen Gloyer pictured with Chowser, her 70-lb yellow lab/husky mix)
About the Illustrator

Maryana Kachmar was born in Lviv, Ukraine in 1983. She holds a Masters of Sacred Art from the National Academy of Arts in Lviv (Ukraine) and now participates in the artistic group, Zohrafos. Maryana has worked as editor and artist for several Christian children's magazines (including Angelyatko and Flashlight) and was chief artist and co-founder for a publishing company, Country of Angels. Over the last 10 years, she has illustrated more than 200 journals and 10 books, including numerous children's books (ABC, Miracle in the Woods, Christmas, and Poems for Boys and Girls). Fond of singing and making puppets, Maryana is the mother of two cheerful and energetic boys who inspire her daily with new pictures!