“I count myself one of the number of those who write as they learn and learn as they write.” 

St. Augustine

About the Author

The Sketch: A Glen Rock Mystery was inspired by both Karen's Catholic roots and her time working with people with disabilities, recognizing that we all have valuable gifts to share. Additionally, she was struck by the increasing number of teen deaths related to fentanyl overdoses.

Karen worked as an advocate for people with disabilities and their families for over thirty years. In addition to a BA degree in Social Work, she completed a certification program in Catholic theology through the Augustine Institute as well as completed many courses related to business operations, human resources, and compliance. She began writing in high school and after winning first prize in a short story contest, it became a hobby in her spare time. She currently leads the St Joan of Arc Creative Writer’s Group Ministry in Hershey, PA. She is also a member of the Riverwood Writer’s Group in Ponte Vedra, FL, the Catholic Writer’s Guild, and the Florida’s Writer’s Association. 

After retiring from social work, Karen assisted her husband with running their family landscape and snow plowing company that employed 150 people in Syracuse NY. During those ten years, she wrote several articles for Snow Business magazine on topics such as human resource issues and employee safety which she specialized in. Today she continues to work as a Managing Partner of Forge Ahead Consulting, assisting others in growing their businesses.

Originally from Salem MA, Karen currently lives in Ponte Vedra, Fl with her husband. They have four sons and several grandchildren who all live in various parts of the country. Her other hobbies include hiking in the mountains and walking the coastal beaches. She also enjoys reading, photography, music, and RV travel throughout the country with her husband. When not traveling, she volunteers for local community organizations.