As a baby boomer and member of the “sandwich” generation, Karen has first-hand
knowledge of most of the challenges her clients find themselves confronting.
Her warmth, credibility and training allow her to meet clients where they are
and to partner with them to achieve their goals.
About Karen
Prior to my social work training, I spent over 25 years as a manager, organizational development consultant and executive/team coach with Ford Motor Company and completed my MBA along the way. I designed and led hundreds of offsites and meetings focused on strategic planning, team effectiveness, process improvement and conflict resolution to name a few.
A graduate of Indiana University's Business School, the Executive MBA Program at Michigan State University and the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, I bring a wealth of academic, professional and life experience to my work as a therapist, speaker, consultant, trainer and coach. As a baby boomer and member of the "sandwich" generation myself, I have first-hand knowledge of many of the challenges my clients find themselves confronting. I’ve taken more trainings than you want to hear about, the most recent being a 9-month program in Nonviolent Communication (NVC).
I’ve been so fortunate to have had the support of wonderful therapists, coaches, support groups, colleagues and friends in my life. The best practices from those experiences, along with my formal training and life experience inform my work. I’m very grateful for the growth and healing I’ve experienced from the warmth, knowledge and safety others have provided me. I value giving back and work to create a safe space where clients and others can learn, explore and be vulnerable in the same ways as I experienced.
I loved being with my grandparents while I was growing up. I was the geeky kid who wanted to spend my spring breaks at their retirement communities in Florida rather than at the beach with my friends! I was fortunate enough to have all 4 of my grandparents until I was in my 30’s (not such a big deal anymore but it was then) and a great grandmother until I was 26. I felt safe, loved and celebrated by them all. They taught me about service, kindness and integrity. It took me 48 years to figure out that I could turn my love of older adults into a career - I haven’t wanted to do anything else since.
As both a geriatric social worker/care manager with the University of Michigan Health System, and as a Geriatric Fellow/Specialist in Aging in my MSW program at U of M, I gained significant skills and experience in addressing the behavioral health needs of older adults and their caregivers.
For 6 years, I taught "Social Work with Older Adults" to graduate students at the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. I offer continuing education workshops on aging and private practice for social work professionals, guest lectures for both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as counseling and therapy for individuals and families.
