Karen was born in Boston and lived in San Diego for many years but, considers Florida her home. Karen graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural and Organizational Communication. Karen is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work and, on off days, is a Behavioral Health Intern Therapist at the Broward Outreach Center. Karen finds working with young adults with mental health and her team at New Directions extremely rewarding. Karen and her partner have three children and three fur babies. When Karen isn’t working, she loves hiking in the preserves and enjoying Florida nature. Karen also enjoys the beach; it is one of her happy places.