Hello, I’m Karen

My childhood was steeped in nature – honed over 20 years on 50 acres of family land near the Qualla Boundary and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. But, I wasn’t from there originally. Yet, that outside perspective helped me see what’s between and converging – skills I use today to help others see with new eyes.

Credentials

Ph.D. in Plant Physiology, emphasis Ethnobotany
M.S. Botany (Clemson University)
B.S. Biology (Western Carolina University)

Stories

I’ve got ’em. From early days as a college dropout who sang for a living, to the first female in supervision at a factory, to caretaking thoroughbreds, to finishing 3 degrees while working full time – there aren’t too many jobs I haven’t done.

Heartfelt Details

I’m at my best when I can serve something greater than myself. For me, that is mostly NATURE – the kind that is inclusive of humans.