She received her Master of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Saint Joseph in December 2017 and is currently enrolled at The George Washington University in the Master of Public Health program.

Karen holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Languages (Spanish as a major, German as a minor) from Truman State University, graduating in 1980 Summa Cum Laude. She graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1976 ranking in the top 1% of the graduating class of over 600 students.

Upon graduation from college, Karen entered the U.S. Army and served four years as an officer in the Military Intelligence Corps. During this time she completed the Officer's Basic Course, the Electronic Warfare Course, and graduated from the Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense course as the Honor Student. She received the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service upon completion of her tour of duty. In 1984, she resigned her Regular Army commission to raise her family. She completed her time in service holding the rank of Captain.

Personal Karen has been married to her husband, Steven, for 42 years. They have five children, ages 26 through 35 years. They reside in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Karen also is the executive producer of Scene and Hurd Productions, a film production company. To view information about Karen's current production, go to www.SceneandHurd.com.