Karen grew up in a career Navy family with a father that served 30 years in the US Navy retiring as a Rear Admiral. Her two brothers, mother and dad, moved every year or two during her childhood exposing her to the vast diversity of communities that are essential to the strength of our country. Through this experience Karen learned the meaning of service, respect, integrity and dedication to American values. Karen attended college at the University of Florida obtaining a Bachelor’s in Agriculture and went on to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Practicing veterinary medicine for over 33 years has further strengthened her belief in the power of compassion. She ran her own successful small business here in Colorado serving the community with excellence in veterinary care for 16 years. She is a problem solver at heart.