Kara Whittaker

Education

AM (MSW), Program of Study: Family Support, The University of Chicago
BA, Religious Studies, The University of Chicago

Licensure

LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker

Research Interests

• Faith and disability
• Congregational social work
• Integration of faith and social work practice
• Disability theology
• The development of inclusive faith communities

Background

Kara Whittaker, LMSW,  is a current PhD student at the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University and a research fellow at the university’s Center for Church and Community Impact (C3i). She also serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Engaging Disability, a nonprofit organization that equips churches to include people with disabilities.

She has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and a master’s degree in social work, both from the University of Chicago. Kara’s career has centered on supporting and advocating for children and adults with disabilities. A former special education teacher, she previously taught in Chicago, Boston, and Cambridge Public Schools. This professional passion for disability inclusion and advocacy became deeply personal through her son's diagnosis of non-speaking autism. 

Kara has presented at churches, in college classrooms, and at national conferences on topics such as disability and the church, presuming competence, and accessible design. Through her ministry work, she has published numerous accessible faith resources for children and youth with disabilities. Her research interests include faith and disability, congregational social work, integration of faith and social work practice, disability theology, and the development of inclusive faith communities.