Karen is the oldest daughter of Reverend Clarence and Irene Hilton, Jr. She is the eldest sister to Master Sergeant Brandon L. Hilton (Honolulu, HI) and April R. Hilton (deceased). Karen is the proud mother of Napoleon Koren and is passionate about healthily cherishing the memory of her late daughter, Noelle Kannise. Karen loves naps, rainy days, shoes, all genres of music, timeless fashion, and herbal tea. 

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Karen has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education [Primary Instrument: Voice, Secondary Instrument: Jazz Piano] from the School of Music at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN; a Master of Arts Degree in Arts Policy and Administration from the School of Music at The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL; a Master of Education Degree in Special Education with an emphasis on Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disabilities and Reading Endorsement from the College of Education and Human Development at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH; and a Doctor of Education Degree in Special Education and Autism from the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.  

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Over the last 23 years, Dr. Bradford has served as a music education and special education teacher, mentor and master teacher, Director of Special Education Services, as well as, a Compliance Auditor for the Office of Special Education Services at the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). Additionally, as a woman of color, she served as the first State Systemic Improvement Team Leader for SCDE to the Federal Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in Washington, DC. Dr. Bradford has transferred her small business, Calla Lily Group LLC, to the DC-MD-VA Region to empower black and brown families, as well as small businesses and non-profits in the areas of the Science of Reading [SoR], behavioral interventions, as it relates to the Autism Spectrum and Editing/Proofreading Services. In her career to date, She has positively impacted 135K+ students, families, and educators. In this role, Dr. Bradford has planned and implemented programming with the approximate value of $51 million dollars in federal dollars for reading interventions and behavior supports for the state of South Carolina. Currently, Dr. Bradford serves as a Senior Customer Success Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region of Lexia Learning at Cambium Learning Group. In this role, Dr. Bradford is serving school districts by implementing proven reading strategies. 

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Lady B has served in diverse roles over the years including Church Musician, Worship Team, Women’s ministry, as well as, the State YWA (Young Women's Auxiliary) Vice-President for the Baptist Education & Missionary Convention of South Carolina. She is an affiliate member of the Kingdom Fellowship International (KFI), under the leadership of Dr. John E. Guns, Presiding Prelate. Her book, Chrysalis: Coded to Thrive pens her journey of “healing well” after experiencing multiple losses simultaneously. Thus, Lady B has birthed, KrysaLis, a Kingdom ministry that seeks to provides a safe haven for women who have experienced marital trauma, desire transparency, and practical strategies for self-restoration. Her forthcoming sequel will focus on healing mind, body, and soul to thrive after loss. 

 

Karen’s life motto is “A candle loses NOTHING by lighting another candle.” Her life’s scripture is Philippians 4: 6-7 (MSG) 4 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 MSG

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