Karen is a sociologist and psychotherapist. Having spent over two decades in academic sociology, and then in clinical psychotherapy practice, she is now using those experiences and skills for political lobbying and feminist activism.
Karen co-led the team that wrote and lobbied for a piece of legislation for Safe Access Zones that was signed into law in May 2024. She also co-established and is part of the team that runs a national lobbying group for trans rights. Karen is currently part of a team setting up Single Studies Ireland which is a multidisciplinary research and lobbying group.
In 2021, Karen was awarded NTUTTOR / SATLE course development funding for the establishment of a new psychology degree in TUS. In 2025 the team was awarded TUS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Project Funding for our work on ‘Singlehood in Ireland: Women’s Experiences’. We are also researching women’s experiences of punitive ‘rumour spreading’ and ‘reputational damage’ when they submit formal complaints at work.
Karen teaches on the Psychology degree and the Social Care Work degree and brings the principles of social justice, human rights, and community organising into every group she works with.
Karen is passionate about co-creating safe, inclusive, diverse, creative spaces and working with brilliant women to support and empower other brilliant women.