Karen began training in martial arts at age 12 after years of begging her parents to do martial arts. She studied Matsubayashi Shorin Ryu karate for 5 years under Master Ronnie Moore in Topeka, Kansas.

When she resumed training in 2016 it was under the tutelage of David Clifton and Kimberly Harrison. She earned the rank of black belt in Taekwondo and Shin Nagare karate in 2020.

As an animal lover and former zookeeper/animal trainer at the Kansas City Zoo, Karen can often be heard having in-depth conversations ranging from the health benefits of martial arts, to how save orphaned possums. Teaching, educating and working with kids is her passion and what makes her a valued instructor at W.O.L.F. Martial Arts.