Born and raised in Bellingham, WA, Karen grew up in the United Church of Christ. She considers herself a child of the Salish Sea, having lived and worked as far south as Tacoma, and now finding a home on Gabriola. During her 15 years in Seattle Karen earned a double BS degree in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Washington. While listening to lectures she would often consider how the topic at hand related to God. She surprised everyone two years after graduating by entering seminary at Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry. The ecumenical environment at SU fostered her love for her sisters and brothers in Christ across denominations, and encouraged her deep calling of finding God and sacrament in the every day.
While in seminary, she began ministry with children and families, focusing particularly on how children experience church, as well as seeking new and emerging ways to engage church and family around faith. Karen and her spouse moved to Canada in 2015 first to Vancouver, where Karen served as the Campus Minister for the United Church of Canada at UBC before moving into congregational ministry on Gabriola in 2018.
Karen, her husband James, a preacher’s kid from Georgia, and their border collie, Joy love island life and the extraordinary community on Gabriola. They enjoy gardening, playing music, frisbee on the beach, exploring the island and sharing great food.
