HELLO!

Hi, I’m Karen, a creative at heart who got her start in the lab and built a career at the intersection of science and storytelling. Whether you're telling your brand story or preparing crucial communications, I'd love to work with you to provide both the strategy and execution to bring your vision to life.

My profile on LinkedIn

MY JOURNEY

I received my undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Marine Biology, with a strong molecular biology focus. My thesis research focused on identifying the geographic sources of the green crab, an invasive species, which meant a lot of time spent doing DNA sequencing. That’s when I truly discovered my love for molecular biology. I continued my research career in a molecular biology lab in the biopharmaceutical industry, contributing to the development of therapies that had the potential to change lives, work that felt deeply purposeful. I was inspired by the dedication of my colleagues, the years of rigorous science and clinical testing, and the persistence it takes to bring a single therapy to market. I knew I had found the industry where I belonged.

My hands-on science background laid the foundation for the next phase of my career. I’ve always been a creative person, and enjoyed taking classes in graphic design, photography, and video production. Over time, I became increasingly drawn to storytelling, by taking complex scientific information and turning it into clear, impactful messages. That blend of creativity and technical knowledge became my strength. I went on to lead corporate communications and investor relations for publicly traded, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies, developing strategic messaging, building brand narratives, supporting fundraising efforts, and helping prepare executives for some of their most high-stakes moments. That experience inspired me to build something of my own. Today, I bring a rare combination of scientific fluency, creative skill, and strategic insight to every project, helping clients communicate with clarity and confidence.

On a personal note, I live near Cleveland, Ohio, with my husband, two daughters, our husky, and our cat. I love the summer and fall seasons here... boating on Lake Erie, hiking the beautiful Metroparks, and catching outdoor concerts with my family. In the colder months, we like to escape to the Florida Keys, where I get my ocean fix and reconnect with my love for marine life. I love to scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, and fish. I also enjoy photography, making memory books, being creative with my hands, and staying active in my church community.

I share all of this because I believe it’s the combination of our personal and professional experiences that shapes who we are, defines our purpose, and helps us understand how we’re meant to serve others. I feel lucky that my work allows me to do just that.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Notable Career Highlights That Made a Difference

Communications & Investor Relations

Drove a 107% increase in institutional ownership by executing a targeted investor engagement strategy that built over 50 new investor relationships, strengthening long-term capital support and enhancing market credibility.
Leader in strategic communications planning for pivotal clinical and corporate milestones, developing messaging frameworks for multiple outcome scenarios, ensuring organizational readiness and the ability to respond quickly and confidently.
Proven track record in high-stakes crisis communications, successfully navigating complex situations including activist short-seller attacks, CEO transitions, media misinformation, and workforce reductions, preserving company reputation, maintaining investor confidence, and ensuring consistent, transparent messaging across all stakeholders.
Developed and executed content-driven patient awareness campaigns during Stroke Awareness Week, amplifying reach across social media, engaging patient advocacy groups, and deepening public understanding of the company’s therapeutic focus.
Redesigned a company’s corporate and investor relations website, improving user experience, streamlining access to key investor materials, and driving increased traffic and time-on-site metrics post-launch.
Launched a company’s first ESG disclosure program, creating an investor slide deck and proxy content that earned positive feedback from institutional investors and demonstrated a commitment to sustainability.
Galvanized a dispersed retail investor base to approve a highly controversial stock split by leading a persuasive multimedia campaign using video, social media, and strategic messaging, securing the necessary proxy votes and enabling future financing flexibility.

Events

Planned and executed high-impact investor events, including in-person NYC investor days, resulting in stronger investor engagement, more informed Q&A sessions, and increased analyst coverage.
Experienced in organizing and executing impactful KOL events, having successfully produced five expert-led sessions, enhancing scientific credibility, fostering peer-to-peer engagement, and driving greater interest from investors and the medical community.

Video Production

Directed a 2.5-hour, visually engaging pre-recorded Investor Day video during the height of COVID, featuring compelling executive and scientific presentations, maintaining investor engagement during a period of global uncertainty and restricted in-person contact.
Produced a well-received, 20-minute documentary that premiered at the Cleveland Innovation Summit and featured interviews with 10 CEOs and civic leaders, positioning the company as a key voice in the region’s biotech ecosystem and building brand prestige.
Created and launched a documentary short film featuring stroke survivor Tedy Bruschi, significantly boosting public awareness and aligning the company’s clinical stroke program with a high-profile patient advocate, resulting in elevated media interest and patient advocacy engagement.
Crafted a series of multiple disease awareness videos, featuring patient stories and physician interviews, to spread awareness and education about a company's clinical programs.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

I'm looking forward to hearing from you to discuss your next project!