Karen is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, lifelong horseman certified in Equine Assisted Learning, and a nationally recognized leader in caregiver support and dementia education. Her unique blend of clinical knowledge, peer mentorship, and equine experience inspired the creation of It Takes A Herd™ — a program where families facing dementia could find practical tools, peaceful moments, and powerful connection.

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Karen serves as a Peer Mentor for the VA Caregiver Support Program, has led memory care programming at therapeutic horse farms, and has contributed to research at Massachusetts General Hospital, UMass Chan Medical School, and Dartmouth College.

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Karen was recently named NCCDP’s 2025 Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) of the Year—an honor that reflects what so many families, caregivers, and community partners already know: Karen brings a rare steadiness, creativity, and heart to dementia care.

 

Read more about this honor here.