As the Whole Health Program Manager at the Butler VA, Karen initiated, developed, and sustains the Whole Health Program. She advanced the role of  Whole Health Coach at the Butler VA. She truly lives Whole Health every day, demonstrating passion and enthusiasm for the program. She inspires all those around her to be happier and healthier, to live their best lives, and to laugh more. Karen serves as a role model for staff at the Butler VA.  

Karen exemplifies compassion and empathy, both in her professional and personal life. She genuinely cares about people. She demonstrates caring not only about you but also your family and genuinely shows that she is concerned about everyone. Karen is passionate about all she does. Her passion for helping people is palpable, and she goes above and beyond in offering services to Veterans. She is an eager learner who consistently seeks new information. Currently, she offers Mindfulness and Coaching sessions and will soon offer Yoga to Veterans.  

Karen demonstrates work-life balance and reminds employees to “put their oxygen on first.” Relaxation, resilience, self-care, and laughter are some of the tools that she willingly shares to promote health and well-being. She consistently demonstrates emotional intelligence, the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively manage her own emotions and the emotions of others. 

Karen is highly motivated in her leadership role as well as coaching. Her leadership style is authentic and impactful. She consistently demonstrates key skills, including trust, honesty, and transparency. She demonstrates enthusiasm in everything she does and is always optimistic. She is also a transformational leader, encouraging her team to utilize their unique qualities and bring their expertise to the table. She believes in creating a process and adapting it readily based on actual outcomes. She recognizes the important role of each person on her team and provides a safe environment for them to function well.  She strongly supports and encourages professional development.  

Karen truly understands the VA’s vision at the local, VISN, and national levels. She leads by example based on her years of experience and genuine caring for people. She successfully fulfills her commitment to America’s veterans through her demonstrated abilities, compassion, eagerness to learn, and drive to succeed.  I have been consistently impressed by her dedication to caring for veterans and staff members at the Butler VA.  I strongly recommend her for this award.