Karen was born in Digby, Nova Scotia. She considers herself to be a Metis two-spirited, feminist & gay activist, and states that she will always be an actor in spirit. Karen early theatre experience was with Big Feat Comedy and Second City in Toronto (late 70's). She was a performing member of The Painted Ladies, a lesbian feminist theatre company (early 80's).

First Nations actor, member of a Winnipeg theatre group called "Shakespeare in the Red" (see picture - 1999), which tours with predominantly Native productions of Shakespeare to theatres, schools, and community venues; the group carries out workshops and other professional training for professional and semi-professional First Nations actors.

Karen co-wrote and produced, "A Look at Who We Are", for Stonewall /95. A performance retrospect on the history of the gay movement since Stonewall and into the future. She also performed with "Queer Stages" in Winnipeg (95-99). Wrote and performed in "The Ballerina Box" a one woman show which traces chilhood memories and events that shape a girls sense of gender.

Karen currently 'performs' works of healing, as a massage therapist for the performing arts and film industry.