Karen started her career as a classroom teacher as a Teach For America corps member in rural Louisiana and as an outdoor educator with Outward Bound. She earned degrees in Journalism and International Relations at the University of Southern California and a Masters Degree in Education at the University of Utah. Karen enjoys the thrill of  people from Oakland and the surrounding communities embracing the magic and promise of a Lighthouse education. Karen is the mother of three and enjoys swimming, biking, running, skiing and climbing mountains.