Karen began dancing at the age of 5 at a local studio in Portland, OR. She quickly realized her passion for dance and would take classes as often as she could. She continued her dance career in high school and college, being on award winning dance teams for 8 years, and danced in the theatre arts program at Western Oregon University. She then went on to become the Head Coach for Portland State University’s Dance Team for two years. She has since danced and taught over the years and have taught multiple CYT classes. She has a heart for students who love to express themselves through dance, is excited to teach a lyrical/contemporary dance class at CYT, and has two children of her own that enjoy dancing and musical theatre!