Karen joined Growing Home in January 2018.  Karen is a licensed social worker with a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University and a Masters in Social Work and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Denver.  Karen has more than sixteen years of experience working with diverse populations to equip them with vital skills for future success.  Karen began her career facilitating youth development programs in Massachusetts and then in Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer.  During her Peace Corps service, she established the first public library in her community and became fluent in Spanish.

Karen honed her management and leadership skills while serving in senior leadership roles at Mi Casa Resource Center.  As Mi Casa’s Director of Youth & Family Development, she significantly increased the organization’s impact on young people and their families by doubling the resources and staff of the department.  As Mi Casa’s Vice President of Programs & Integration, Karen led the organization’s efforts to implement a holistic, integrated service delivery model that helps low-income entrepreneurs and job seekers advance their economic success and ultimately break the cycle of poverty.