Karen is a graduate of Texas Tech University with a specialty in Education. She is currently studying for a Master's degree in counseling and human development. Karen oversees the curriculum at Shades, developing programs to teach clients about the addiction process, co-dependency, and the 12 steps of recovery.

Karen brings a compassion and understanding to helping clients on a day-to-day basis as they struggle to overcome their fears, obsessions, and anxieties. Prior to Karen joining the team at Shades as Education Director, she was a teacher in the Texas public school system.