In 1990, Karen began her career as a Recreation Therapist at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. In 1997, she continued her work at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ontario. Over her 18 years of clinical experience, she discovered an unexpected but deeply meaningful passion: supporting families. She found great satisfaction in helping them understand and adapt to the changing health needs of the person they are supporting through care plan reviews, and in guiding them to build the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate the health care system effectively.
Her next role with a local Alzheimer Society allowed Karen to spend 18 years walking alongside countless care partners on their dementia-learning journeys. Rooted in the belief that care partners bring invaluable wisdom, lived experience, and a genuine desire to learn from one another, she designed programs and workshops that fostered connection, comfort, and meaningful collaboration.
Now with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, Karen’s role involves supporting local Alzheimer Society Educators across the province through their Community of Practice, Core Curriculum design and Facilitator training.