In October 2014, Karen became the Partners in Mission Coordinator (previously titled Director of Development). She began her journey by creating and strengthening relationships with the sisters, their families, staff and partners in the community.

Karen has networked with various religious orders of sisters since 2001, when she began her career in fund development and grant writing. She firmly believes, “Relationship fundraising is an approach to the marketing of a cause which centers not around raising money, but on developing, to its full potential, the unique and special relationship that exists between a charity and its supporter.” (Relationship Fundraising: A Donor-Based Approach to the Business of Raising Money, 1992). She will identify the donors’ passion and match the time, talent or treasure with the needs of the Presentation community.

As a native of Western New York, Karen came to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1998, where she met her husband Todd, and began a family. They have two daughters, Kristine and Kennedy. Both girls are very active in their parish and schools, Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, Iowa, and St. Joseph Catholic School in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin.

Karen is active in the community and currently sits on a number of not-for-profit boards of directors. These include the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) as the communications chair, grant writer for the Miracle League of Dubuque, IA and St. Joseph Catholic School – Sinsinawa, WI. She has also served as a past co-chair of the AFP National Philanthropy Day, St. Joseph School Athletics Board and Parish Council, marketing manager of Sustainable Dubuque: Wading Pool Gardens and board member of Project Concern and the Loras College Dubuque Area Swimming Hurricanes’ (DASH).

“Some personal goals are to share each sister’s story and convey how each story impacts those they serve in Iowa and throughout the world. The result will be a celebration of unity with the individuals who support us and the active engagement of the communities we serve.”

Looking For Ways To Connect?

Partner in Prayer

Connect with a Presentation Sister or associate for prayer and spiritual growth. Both participants decide how and when to connect. Contact Karen.

Come for Dinner

Sharing meals is a key way we celebrate community life. We invite you to join us for a community meal to get to know us. Contact Karen.

See What’s Happening

We host various events throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events.

Receive Presentation Publications

Read our quarterly Presentation Doorways magazine to learn more about the news and views of the congregation.
Click here to request a printed copy of the Doorways.

Connect with a Spiritual Director

Spiritual direction is a place to reflect on your relationship with God, how to pray and your ongoing spiritual practices.

Find a Presentation Sister spiritual director in your area.

Follow Us on Social Media

We share daily inspirational posts, celebrations, news and events and many other updates on our social media pages. We are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest – engage with us @dbqpbvms.