Cultural anthropologist, writer and qigong instructor, Karen loves sharing her passions of qigong, dance and wilderness training with people around the world. She holds a Masters in Public Health from UC Berkeley, is a personal student of ZY Qigong Grandmaster XuMingtang, and has trained and traveled with him at Shaolin Monastery in China and worldwide. She also speaks Mandarin Chinese, is a personal student of one of China’s Master Chinese Medicine doctors, Dr. Zhao Fuxue, and serves as his interpreter when in the U.S.

Karen loves sharing the simple and profound wisdom and practices of qigong through writing, classes, and through speaking and teaching in non-profit and corporate arenas, at conferences and in state and university settings.

In addition, Karen has trained for years with Mick “the Barefoot Sensei” Dodge and offers unique qigong and Earthgym programs in the wilderness, city parks and at retreat centers, including Breitenbush Hot Springs in Oregon and Omega Institute in New York. Karen co-leads stunning Qigong & Wilderness treks in Western China. She is also the innovator of Qi Dancing, founder of a monthly family dance jam and enjoys leading the Women of Wisdom QiDances. Karen travels to China regularly and you can read up on her China travel adventures, treks and studies on her China blog. You can also read some of her nature, qigong and Earthgym writings on her blog.

Passionate about health and vitality, adventure and living in a way that deeply nourishes life, Karen loves serving as a bridge between the East and West and inspiring people to reconnect with our Earth and ignite their inner Joy. She enjoys living in a beautiful Cascadian valley of two rivers with her beloved husband and family.