As long as Karen can remember she has wanted to minister to youth and young adults. God has been able to use this passion in a variety of settings including colleges, summer camps, church youth groups, and short-term mission experiences in South Africa, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras. Karen's hobbies include participating in and watching sporting events, gardening and dog obedience training.

Director of student activities and the student union, California State University, 1982-1994; senior high women's director, First Evangelical Free Church, Rockford, Ill., 1994-2001; interim junior high director, First Evangelical Free Church, Rockford, Ill., 1998-99. 2001.