“You have to fail in order to succeed… I’ve missed over 500 shots, but people only remember the ones that went in to win the game”  Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan said this to Jason Karno back in 1997 as the sports reporter for ESPN Radio.  Jason was covering the Bulls’ second three-peat of championships. Being a sports reporter allowed Jason terrific opportunities to interview and learn from some of the greatest players and coaches like Jordan, Phil Jackson, Sammy Sosa, Jeremy Roenick, Walter Payton, and many others.

EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community is thrilled to announce that Jason Karno, M.Ed. M.L& A, has joined the program as the new EDGE Learning Coordinator. He is taking over the position from Anne Walchak, who recently left EDGE to pursue alternative career opportunities closer to family. Jason brought a wealth of knowledge and experience from sports radio broadcasting when he pivoted into the world of teaching & learning in 2001, earning a master’s degree in education from DePaul University. Utilizing his previous work experience, his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Communications and his Master’s in Education, Jason quickly became a very successful classroom teacher in the public and private schools for 13 years. “I loved the experiences in radio, the people I met, the championships I covered, and the relationships I built. However, I felt the need to make a bigger difference in the world as a whole and what better way to do that then to work with diverse students of all ages.”

Jason has since spent over twenty years in the world of education, including administrative positions as both an Assistant Principal and Principal in Chicago suburban School Districts. Through his experiences, Jason has developed an acute knowledge of academic programs and a love for coaching and helping students and staff understand new concepts, find pride in their academic progress, and be the best they can be at what they do. “Building relationships and collaborating is the key to fostering success at all levels and I am excited to begin that journey with our students and staff at Edge Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community”

As the EDGE Learning Coordinator, Jason provides academic, executive functioning and Social-emotional coaching and support to young adults, both individually and in a group setting. He will collaborate with each student to set and discuss goals, select courses and build positive habits. Jason’s main priority as he begins his work at EDGE is to foster strong relationships with emerging adults in order to help them reach their goals and become contributing members of a global society. “I am looking forward to helping EDGE students learn not only their academics through college courses, but also learn the essential life skills that are equally important to being successful and making themselves and their families proud.”

In addition to having a bachelors from Tulane University, master’s degrees from DePaul and the American College of Education, Jason is a father of two teenage boys. He loves sports, music, and going up to Michigan to relax and enjoy its beauty. When he is not helping students or spending time with his family, you can probably find him in the gym, working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

About EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community

EDGE Learning and Wellness Collegiate Community is an accredited transitional living program located in Chicago, IL. EDGE offers therapeutically supported residential and non-residential options for post-treatment young adults. The participants, ages 18 -24, are striving to excel academically, while creating a life of balance, joy and wellness.