Karen is a licensed Marital and Family Therapist. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education, and a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. After several years in private practice, Karen combined her education and clinical experience with her interest in medical science and has spent the last 25 years working in Third-party Reproduction ~ building families through gestational surrogacy and gamete donation.
As a mental health professional, Karen provides:
- Consultations & Clearances for Intended Parents
- Psychological Screening & Interviews for Gestational Carriers, Donors, and those needing IVF clearances
- Case Support & Counseling during conception, pregnancy & post birth
- Psychological Resources & Guidance for surrogacy journeys, high risk pregnancies, and pregnancy losses
- Referrals for Third-party Reproductive Service Providers
Success in meeting fertility challenges requires an experienced team effort. Karen interacts with reproductive specialists (fertility doctors), family law attorneys and agencies that offer family planning & infertility services. She especially enjoys providing guidance and resources which supports the unique relationship that forms between hope-filled parents-to-be and their surrogate. IVF with a surrogate, a donor, or both, is a special path to building a family. It is a journey full of expectations as well as heart-felt desires from everyone involved.
In addition to assisting couples living in the U.S. Karen enjoys the international aspect of her work. Over the years she has helped build families all over the world. However, for third-party screening purposes, gestational carriers and gamete donor candidates all reside in California where the reproductive services are provided..
Building families is both a professional and personal endeavor. Karen with her husband Dennis share the joys and challenges of parenting their teen twins while residing in Orange County, California. As a family they enjoy traveling, being in nature, and spending time with friends.
Teaching Experience:
Adjunct Professor / Azusa Pacific University Department of Professional Psychology. Graduate Courses including:
Introduction to Clinical Practice for Marital and Family Therapists
Legal, Ethical, and Moral Issues for Marital and Family Therapists
Clinical Review Course for MFT licensure