Karen was born in Richmond and has spent her life involved with horses. She has been competing since she was a child in the hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines. Karen spent 6 years working on a race farm where she cared for, rehabilitated, and exercised racehorses. During college, Karen spent 2 ½ years as a working student for an international show and sales barn. Karen served as an officer on the Board of Directors of Radtech Equine Corporation, a not-for-profit corporation set up to manage and maintain the intercollegiate riding teams and stables for Virginia Tech and Radford University.

In 1994, Karen graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Physical Science. Karen is also a graduate H-A of the United States Pony Club. Karen has several years experience as a vet tech and a pharmacy technician. She has managed and trained for both large and small boarding and training barns in the Richmond area.