| Karen grew up in a career Navy family with a father that served 30 years in the US Navy retiring as a Rear Admiral. Her two brothers, mother and dad, moved every year or two during her childhood exposing her to the vast diversity of communities that are essential to the strength of our country. Through this experience Karen learned the meaning of service, respect, integrity and dedication to American values.
Karen attended college at the University of Florida obtaining a Bachelor's in Agriculture and went on to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Practicing veterinary medicine for over 33 years has further strengthened her belief in the power of compassion. She ran her own successful small business here in Colorado serving the community with excellence in veterinary care for 16 years. She is a problem solver at heart.
Service is in Karen's DNA.
She has served over 3 years as a volunteer English language teacher for the immigrant community with Intercambio in Longmont.
As a board member of two non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting animal health worldwide, she has worked to better the lives of animals - pets, wildlife, endangered species and working animals alike.
She has worked as a communications coach to help train veterinary students at Colorado's premier veterinary teaching hospital at CSU.
Currently she is a volunteer member of Citizen's Climate Lobby, working toward legislation to mitigate the effects of climate change on our planet.
She is a member of Rotary, finding more ways to better our communities and our planet and living the Rotary motto - Service over self.
Karen has been married to her husband Gregg, a native Coloradan, for 30 years. They have lived in Longmont for over 26 years where they raised their three children who are now adults. They have twin daughters and their eldest identifies as non-binary. The family also have a very large puppy who they love dearly. Being outdoors in Colorado is one of her favorite pastimes.
She is passionate about our state and continuing to work for policies that help Colorado families.
In 2018, Karen ran a robust campaign for Congress in Colorado's 4th congressional district. The results showed that Karen's campaign encouraged many across the 22 counties of the District to re-engage and let their voices be heard by participating in our democracy by voting. Karen won by over 65% in Boulder County and helped to build Democratic momentum in an often-overlooked part of the state which helped propel Governor Jared Polis, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Attorney General Phil Weiser and State Treasurer Dave Young to victory.
With the opportunity to continue to advocate for families, health care, education, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, economic opportunity, the future of our planet and more - Karen is now the State Representative for Colorado's House District 11 in 2020 which includes Longmont, Lyons, Niwot and Allenspark. |