Karen loves a good book and daydreaming up stories of her own. She has a penchant for chocolate and looking for humour in ordinary situations. Spending time in nature and traveling are two of Karen's favourite pastimes.

Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, her hometown has a heart of gold and boasts of Shania. Karen has worked for the Ontario and Canadian governments in areas ranging from forest plant identification to Indigenous issues. She moved to Ottawa in 1998 and met her life partner during the first week. Together they have one adult daughter.