Karen began training with BSARD in September 2013 and became a member in January 2015. In addition to her duties as a Senior K9 Handler, she also is active in Search Planning, Operations, and Field Support.
She has served on the Board of Directors since 2021.
Karen and her current partner Nyx are certified for Mantrailing and Wilderness Area Search.
Other certifications she held with her earlier K9 partner Griff were Mantrailing, Wilderness Area Search, Human Remains Detection on Land, Human Remains Detection in Water, and Article Search.
Karen’s personal certifications include NIMS ICS courses (100, 200, 700, and 800), and Adult, Child and Infant First Aid, CPR and AED. Other training she has completed throughout her career include GPS Navigation, Crime Scene Preservation, Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Awareness, Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Awareness, Personal Respiratory Protection, Personal Protection against Blood-borne Pathogens, Canine First Aid, and Managing Search Operations (a 40 hour course).
Karen is a cybersecurity analyst.
K9 Nyx, Active since 2020
Nyx is a female German Shepherd Dog, born May 2020. She began training for SAR in August 2020 and now holds certifications for Mantrailing and Wilderness Area Search.
Her absolute favorite treat is ice cubes, taken directly from the freezer door.
K9 Griff, Active from 2014 to 2025
Griff is a male German Shepherd Dog, born May 2014. He began training for SAR in August 2014 and joined BSARD with Karen in January 2015.
He and Karen held certifications for Mantrailing, Wilderness Area Search, Human Remains Detection on Land, Human Remains Detection in Water, and Article Search. During his almost 11 year career, Griff participated in 45 search operations.
He retired in November 2025 and is now living quietly at home when Nyx lets him. His best friend on the team is fellow retiree Pearl.
