Karen’s genuine love of nature and passion for playing and exploring outdoors is what brought her to call Canmore home.  Karen originally came from Ontario to Canmore, via New Zealand, to instruct Nordic skiing. 

Following this, with her degrees in Outdoor Recreation and Natural Science, as well as a Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, she has been able to wear many hats (literally!) while exploring a variety jobs within the Bow Valley.  Her previous work as an environmental educator with the Biosphere Institute and a natural heritage interpreter with Banff National Park, allowed Karen to inspire kids of all ages to care for our environment and take action to protect it.
Helping others discover and appreciate the amazing natural world around us is something that Karen aims to do on a daily basis. 

Karen values being an ambassador for wild places, such as when she worked as a canoe guide on the Nahanni River and on various rivers and lakes in Ontario and Quebec, and in her own backyard.  Inspiring young forest players to soak up the awesomeness of the nature around us gives her such joy.
Karen chooses alternative transportation whenever possible, and can be seen biking on the trails and roads throughout the year in all sorts of weather.  During the winter months, you are most likely to find Karen on the Nordic trails, where she is enjoying skiing for herself, or coaching for Trailsports or various clubs.
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Much like her son, the hardest part of the day is when she has to go indoors.  That is, unless, she gets to enjoy the night in a tent, which she does as much as possible.