Spending most of her growing up years in London, Karen began playing percussion in high school under the direction of conductor Gwyn Beynon. She continued studying percussion with Professor Robert Hughes at Western and graduated with a BMUSEd degree. Karen received her MMus in Percussion Performance from the University of Toronto, studying with Dr. Russell Hartenberger and a BEd degree from Althouse College.   

Karen has performed on numerous recordings and in many small and large ensembles throughout Southwestern Ontario. She is the former principal percussionist with Orchestra London. Karen has taught percussion at the Western University and the University of Windsor and is a popular adjudicator, mentor, teacher, coach, concert producer, curriculum writer and speaker.  

Karen is the Founder/Co-director of the London Food Bank’s Arts 4 All Kids program which provides free fine arts classes in music, dance, drama, creative writing and visual art to children whose families cannot afford instruction. Currently, Karen is a retired music teacher and a recipient of  the YMCA Women of Excellence Award and the Governor General's Sovereign Medal for Volunteerism.