Karen’s journey of helping people and her quest for sustainable caring started at a young age. Tasks ranging from working with severely, multiply handicapped children, providing grief support to families after trauma, helping women recover from abuse, and dealing with collective grief have inspired her to increase resilience and care sustainably.

The ultimate motivation was finding a way to enjoy her own life journey and wonderful family while walking with others in their suffering and dysfunction.

Karen has extensive experience helping people deal with trauma, coaching others to function at their best, and leading organizations. She has developed and led a wellness program for a family physician residency program, provides ongoing leadership training in Honduras, and leads resilience workshops in educational settings as well as private practices.

A drive to thrive while caring and a love for learning led to several graduate degrees along with specialized training in multiple areas. She has an educational doctorate in leadership with research on ethics and professional development. A Master’s of Divinity and a Master’s in Management expand her educational perspective and skill set.

Specialized training and experience include countering compassion fatigue, providing post-trauma and grief support, increasing cultural competency, handling conflict, shaping organizational cultures, and applying Family Systems Theory to leadership.

“I am focused on supporting people who help others because I know how rewarding and challenging this can be,” explains Karen. She hopes to help others experience the beauty of their own lives even when they walk amidst suffering to change the world with care.

Her book, Sustainable & Resilient Caring: Your Guide to Thrive While Helping Others, is a wonderful resource for people in personal and professional helping roles.

When taking time to energize, Karen spends time in nature with family, friends, and furry loved ones on hikes, skiing, or canoeing. We are surrounded by so much beauty!