Smart Learning Haven logo Smart Learning Haven Creative Minds. Confident Futures.
Karen Lugo-Dean, founder of Smart Learning Haven

About us

Meet Karen Lugo-Dean

Founder & CEO, Smart Learning Haven

I'm a retired U.S. Army Senior Officer with more than 22 years of service. After the Army, I became a certified educator with endorsements in Math, Reading, ESE and ESOL, and I taught for six years in Florida Keys schools. I'm also a lifelong creative, and Smart Learning Haven brings both sides of me together.

  • Certified educator
  • Math · Reading · ESE · ESOL
  • U.S. Army veteran, 22+ years
  • Bilingual English & Spanish

A calm, creative place to grow

Smart Learning Haven is a calm, creative learning space for students and adults. I created it to support parents and teachers, and to make learning feel supportive, engaging and stress-free, so every learner feels seen, supported and inspired to shine.

The whole learner

We support mind, heart and creativity, not just test scores.

Clarity & encouragement

Personalized online tutoring that builds real understanding and confidence.

Creativity is essential

Hands-on art builds imagination and helps every inner maker and artist grow.

Two ways we help you grow

Online LearningMath tutoring, Math Club, homeschool support & test prepExplore → Nomad Zen Zone lotus logo Nomad Zen Zone Creative StudioMindful mandala & essence experiences that come to youExplore →

Kind words from families

“Karen was exactly who we needed to get my son back on track with math after a big summer slide!”
B. Rosenow · Parent
“My daughter has grown so much confidence in her math skills since she started working with Ms. Karen.”
C. Daugherty · Parent
“The incense bar was so cool! I learned so much and had a great time socializing with lovely ladies.”
K. Vaicaitis · Event guest

Inside Our Creative Events

Candles rolled, mandalas dotted, incense blended and new friendships made. A peek at the magic from our workshops across the Florida Keys.

Guests creating at a Nomad Zen Zone creative experience A styled table at a Smart Learning Haven creative event Handmade art from a mindful creative workshop Mandala art in progress at a creative experience Creative workshop supplies set up for guests Finished pieces from a Smart Learning Haven workshop Guests creating together at a Nomad Zen Zone creative event in the Florida Keys Guests creating together at a Nomad Zen Zone creative event in the Florida Keys Guests creating together at a Nomad Zen Zone creative event in the Florida Keys Guests creating together at a Nomad Zen Zone creative event in the Florida Keys Guests creating together at a Nomad Zen Zone creative event in the Florida Keys Guests creating together at a Nomad Zen Zone creative event in the Florida Keys

Let's work together

Questions about tutoring or a creative experience? I'd love to hear from you.

Send a message

Email: karen@shopsmartlearning.com