Karen grew up in Houston, Texas, attended Texas A&M University and continued on to law school at the University of Houston. After practicing as an attorney for almost ten years in Houston, Austin and New York City, she decided to pause her career to raise three busy boys back in her hometown. Throughout that time, she remained active as a volunteer with various non-profit organizations, primarily in leadership roles, counseling and coordinating other parent volunteers.

As her sons entered college, Karen decided to return to work as a Therapeutic and Educational Consultant after experiencing the treatment process firsthand when one of her sons attended a wilderness program, therapeutic boarding school and young adult transitional program. In her work as a consultant, she continued to witness the healing power of wilderness therapy for her clients, specifically how it served as the catalyst for lifelong change for children, young adults and their families. Karen is deeply dedicated to connecting with parents and challenging them to fully engage in their child’s treatment process for their own personal growth as well as to help their child get the most out of the Elements experience. She wants each family to feel supported, encouraged and a part of a community. Karen is a Certified Parent Coach and hosts our weekly interactive parent educational seminars and support groups.

In her free time, Karen enjoys exercise – whether it is walking in her neighborhood, riding her bike on the beach or hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the mountains. She also has a love for travel, especially to national parks, baking at home and spending time with family and friends.