Karen has practiced speech therapy for all ages, in settings ranging from schools to private clinics, so that children and families could experience the highest quality intervention in non-threatening, non-medical environments.
Education
Karen earned her Bachelor of Science Cum Laude in Speech Language Hearing Science from Arizona State University, and received her Masters of Science in Clinical Speech Pathology from Northern Arizona University.
Career
While raising her daughter as a single mom, Karen earned her Bachelors and Masters respectively in a field that she knew had the potential to make a real difference in populations often ignored in mainstream education. Inspired by her life experiences with her own child, she started her career as a Speech and Language Hearing Pathologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. This position gave her insight into children’s oral and written communications, but more importantly, it allowed her to implement change born out of data-based research. While working in North Scottsdale, Karen decided that patients feeling like they had their own voice was most important to her, so she made the switch to Cave Creek to further developments targeting the children who are struggling (and consequently not able to take advantage of conventional instruction). Karen mentors graduate students who are seeking their Master’s degree in the Science of Communication and is driven to inspire excellence as well as remain on the innovative cusp of what is possible within her field. She currently enjoys Rio Verde, AZ and loves living the ranch life with her German Shepherd, Rusty.
Trainings and Affiliations
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Member
- SPELL-Links Reading and Writing Program (SPELL-Links) Trained
- Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program (LiPS) Trained
- Wilson Reading System (WRS) Trained
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapist Trained
Therapist Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science Cum Laude in Speech Language Hearing Science
- Masters of Science in Clinical Speech Pathology
- Licensed and Certified Pathologist in the State of Arizona
- Certificate of Clinical Competencies
- 15+ years of Speech Therapy Experience