Karen brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education to her role as Assistant to the Office of the President. She currently provides strategic and business planning support as well as writing and editorial assistance to the Office.

Before landing at Acadia, Karen worked in a public library, operated an artist coop, restored heritage buildings, had a career in the federal public service, and owned and operated a historic inn. Each venture provided an abundance of learning opportunities.

Karen hails from Ontario. A lifelong love of the ocean and passion for history brought her to Nova Scotia in 1990, a decision she has never regretted. She has served on Parish Council and in music ministry at St. John’s Anglican Church (Lunenburg, NS), was a member of the congregation at St. James Anglican Church (Kentville, NS), and currently worships with St. John’s Anglican Church (Wolfville, NS).

Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from McMaster University and a Library and Information Technology Diploma from Nova Scotia Community College. An avid gardener and voracious reader, Karen can usually be found with a book in one hand and a hoe in the other. She is the proud mother of two grown children and servant to a geriatric cat.