Founder & Director

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“Everybody is a genius; but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid. “ Tapping into a genius is simple in theory yet hard in practice. It comes from mastering the one activity you love most .”  

-Albert Einstein 

Beyond the chalk...

My name is Karen Elaine Elliott and I am the Founder & Director of Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy located in Waukegan IL, serving the Northshore community families.

I attended Illinois State University where I completed and received my BA in Elementary Education, shortly after I studied to receive my Master's Degree in Social Science with a focus in Education from Ashford University in Iowa City, IA

I found myself taking several courses to enhance my knowledge in the field of Culinary Arts and Information Technology. I received my A-plus certification in Information Technology specializing in software and hardware support. In addition, I have received several Culinary Certifications feeding my passion for the Culinary Arts. For the past five years, I have been the owner of Comfort Cuisine Catering Company. I have acquired a wealth of experience due to my instinctive nature to push myself to try new things in hopes of making a difference in everything that I do.

I am a mother to 3 AMAZINGLY bright daughters, a few bonus daughters, 1 bonus son, and 1 grandson. I am a loving wife to my wonderful husband Damen Elliott, a daughter, sister, God Mother of 6, aunt of 4; but most importantly I am a child of the highest God. Born and raised in a Christian household. I grew up with parents of faith, my father being  a gospel preacher, as well as my family and I, being heavily involved in the church which I’ve known since childhood. I believe that Jesus is the son of GOD, I am a baptized believer firmly believing that: "only what you do for Christ will last. "

Growing up I knew that I had a natural love for children and education. As a child, I always gravitated towards a motherly role among my siblings. I was also kind of bossy so I knew that I would be a firm but loving teacher. As I got older I found my love for Literacy and Language Arts. I was intrigued with being able to write creatively to express what I was feeling. I also enjoyed reading.  I knew then that Teaching & Educating was my passion! I remember asking my mother when I was young what the difference was between a hobby and a passion? She told me that "a hobby is something you like to do in your spare time, but your passion for something is when you find that “thing” which you can do every day and be happy. "

After working for other educational institutions during my career I discovered that owning my own school would completely fulfill my desire to make an impact in my community and the lives of every student that would walk through my doors. I decided after the loss of my eldest brother who passed away from cancer that I wanted to do something to change the world. I was devastated at his passing, but I always thought of his strength to keep me going.  Cory Douglas Jernigan was full of life, adventure, excitement, and everyone who crossed paths with him were affected or touched positively by something he did or said. Whether it was a laugh, a heart-to-heart talk, or a word of encouragement he left an unforgettable mark in this world. 

On June 15, 2021, my brother's life met my passion for education and I officially began my journey as Founder and Director of Cory Douglas Scholastic Academy. 

I would not be fulfilling my life's purpose if I didn’t wake up every day with the opportunity to change a child's life. Teaching, Education, spreading the gift of knowledge is MY purpose in life! For me, it goes “Beyond the CHALK!” 

 Mrs. Karen Elliott~