Karen was working as an actress, director, writer and instructor of theatre when her dad, Manfred, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Manfred passed away in October of 2000 and her mom, Virginia, was diagnosed with mixed dementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. More (Vascular & Alzheimer’s) a year after Manfred passed away.
Karen has worked all over North America presenting keynotes, workshops, performances and consulting.
She was the Director of Education for Pioneer Network and Chair of the National Conference for 6 years. Karen worked with the Eden Alternative on their International Conference (3) and education curriculum for Dr. Al Power’s DementiaDementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. More Beyond Drugs seminars. Karen was priviledged to work on the National Alzheimer’s Association Campaign for Quality Care as a consultant and writer for videos.
Karen was the co-developer (with Sonya Barsness) of all the content for the Hand in Hand Training Toolkit produced by CMS and distributed to every nursing home in the country in 2012. She has written a book, has a training DVD, featured in Real Simple magazine, Guideposts, heard on NPR’s This American Life and presented at the International TEDMED Conference.
The Being in the Moment site is Karen’s passion and her hope is that every person who come here finds something to make their day better.
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness – it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” – Brene Brown
“Maybe you think someone doesn’t have a lot on their plate compared to you. But maybe their plate is smaller than yours and doesn’t have a lot of room to begin with. Or maybe their plate is paper, and their flimsy paper plate can’t hold as much as your sturdy ceramic plate can.” – Unknown