Karen qualified in 1996 as Registered Learning Disability Nurse. In 1998 she joined Lifeways, a large social care provider where she has remained for the last 25 years and has undertaken various role both in operations and Quality. Her current role sees her provide Health and Clinical support and guidance to her Lifeways colleagues who in turn support over 5,000 people. Whilst she supports people with their existing health conditions, a large part is also around preventative care and health and wellbeing - both physical and mental. Karen is a keen advocate of seeing the person as an individual rather than a label and supporting them to achieve their full potential. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything she does, both professionally and personally. Karen was proud to become a Queens Nurse in 2017. She also received the Queens Nursing Institutes (QNI) long service award in 2020.