Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, Karina earned a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Hamburg. She has lived and taught in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States and brings this broad international experience to her teaching.

Karina has taught German language, literature, and culture, as well as English as a Second Language, at the high school and university levels. She has extensive experience teaching students at all proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners.

She is also an instructor and certified examiner for the Goethe-Institut and recently earned her PhD in Germanic Studies from the University of Illinois Chicago.