Karen Smietanski, Chairwoman of Project Headspace and Timing, is the daughter of a US Navy WWII veteran. She was raised in a small farm town south of Springfield. Her passion as always been in helping people. Never in a million years did she know that would lead her to helping veterans every day. Karen is the Assistant Superintendent at the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kankakee County. She is the Court Coordinator for the 21st Jurisdiction for the Veterans Treatment Court. She also graduated from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals Justice for Vets Mentor Boot Camp in 2013. Just over three years ago, Karen was invited to try out to become a National Trainer for County Veteran Service Officers. Now, she gets to teach people from all over the country the job she loves. Karen’s Federal Accreditation allows her to help veterans file claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs for disability, pension, survivor’s pension, and death benefits.