“To me, all children no matter their background are equal and deserve the best quality life,” said Karina Vargas, Targeted Case Manager. “Rainbows is the place to make that happen. I love everything about my job.”
As a Targeted Case Manager, Karina’s days are never the same. They can differ from scheduling meetings, updating client files, having a visit at a home or in the community or at a school, or requesting funds for clients from community sources. “I once had to dig out a kid from the sand by the swing set that conveniently turned to quicksand from the rain that morning!” said Karina. “He was stuck, then I was stuck. Before we were able to get out, he ended up pantless and shoeless, then I was shoeless with wet pants and socks! To this day, this is one of my favorite memories.”
Karina brings a wealth of experience to the TCM team. “I have been in the childhood field for 13 years and never looked back,” she said. “I have a history with Rainbows. I started working with Rainbows in 2007 when I was 19 for 4 years and came back in 2017 as a Targeted Case Manager. I have been a classroom Para and an Early Childhood Teacher for ages birth-5. I have been a Home/Community Based Teacher for children who are blind and visually impaired with ENVISION and now I’m a Targeted Case Manager with Rainbows. My biggest achievement at Rainbows has been using my bilingual skills to assist families.”
Karina has an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a Director’s License, and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Fort Hays State University. She plans to pursue her Master’s Degree. “Karina is one of the hardest working staff I have,” said Lindsay Coffee, Targeted Case Management/Autism Coordinator. “She is quiet and reserved-a behind the scenes kind of gal- but she advocates for each child she serves in the very best way. I’m so thankful for her and her dedication!”
Watching good movies or TV series, listening to the right genre of music for specific occasions, telling her two boys “I love them with all of my heart to the moon and back 100 times a day,” eating favorite junk foods on the weekend, going to the gym, and sending the best memes to all her friends are some of Karina’s favorite things.
