Karen joined the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health in 2026 as Senior Writer and Director of Communications, where she leads the Institute’s communications strategy and digital presence. Through mission-driven storytelling, Karen translates behavioral health, research, and policy topics into compelling stories that connect with diverse audiences.
Before joining the Ballmer Institute, Karen took a yearlong sabbatical to travel the world with her husband and two children. From 2020 to 2025, she served as Director of Communications at Central City Concern, one of Oregon’s largest nonprofit health and housing organizations.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Karen spent the first half of her career as a video producer for the National Institutes of Health, the White House Communications Agency, Peace Corps and the Library of Congress. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Television & Radio, with a minor in Anthropology, from Ithaca College.