The Echols Scholar for Indiana University School of Nursing in 1990, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1994 and her Master of Science degree in Nursing as a Nurse Practitioner in 2007 (also completed at IU School of Nursing). Karen has worked primarily in neuroscience nursing since the early 1990s. She cares for a broad range of patients with neurological conditions and enjoys providing education promoting wellness about neurological conditions and teaching lifestyle changes to improve symptom management.