Caren is responsible for ensuring that children and students in Virginia who are vision impaired, blind, and deafblind have the services and resources they need in order to receive an appropriate education. Additionally, she is tasked with providing training on an array of subjects to families and professional staff. Ms. Phipps is also responsible for assisting with the agency’s Pre-Employment Transition programming and works closely with the Education Coordinators, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors, and Workforce Specialists to provide a range of career development and work experience opportunities to students and youth.

Caren has a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and is certified nationally as a Vocational Evaluator. She has an extensive background in the area of Vocational Evaluation, Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, and Career Development. She also holds licenses in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Caren has also acted in a consultative capacity with the Canadian College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP) in the development of questions for the new International Certified Vocational Evaluator (ICVE) exam. She has also recently appointed as a member of the Virginia Department of Education’s State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC). Her passion is assisting individuals in identifying their strengths and empowering them to overcome barriers and reach their personal goals.