With a basis of knowledge steeped in theatrical and performance art Karen's experience ranges from her education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, heart of the Cherokee Nation; to expertise in production management for opera, avant-garde, and political theater in San Francisco. Experimentation with visual media began during her tenure as production manager for San Francisco's non-profit company, West Bay Opera, where video projections and visual special effects were used to captivate audiences; replacing the use of costly scenery. From these creative sojourns it was an easy leap into the world of film. As an original partner in the independent film company, Ce Acatl Productions, Karen produced several film projects including the short film "Libertad", starring Renee Victor, ("Weeds", "Tyler Perry's: House of Payne") which aired on PBS and won Ms. Victor critical acclaim at festivals. Moving on to a partnership with Mission From Buddha Productions, helmed by Lane Nishikawa; Karen produced a three part series about the 100th/442nd Japanese-American infantry unit that fought in World War II. The two short films starring Mr. Nishikawa, "When We Were Warriors" with Victor Talmadge ("Hidalgo"), and "Forgotten Valor" with Korean star, Soon Tek-Oh; were partially financed by monies from California Civil Liberties funds and distributed to the educational market. The feature film "Only The Brave" starring such notable actors as Jason Scott Lee ("Dragon: The Brue Lee Story", Lilo & Stitch"), Mark Dacascos ("Brotherhood of the Wolf"), Tamlyn Tomita ("Joy Luck Club, "Day After Tomorrow"), Jeff Fahey ("Silverado"), and the late, Pat Morita ("Karate Kid") is in distribution by Indican Pictures, launching on Nov. 11, 2009. Karen made her directorial debut with the short feature "The Other Side" in the summer of 2001 which focused her attentions on formulating a production company of her own, Koncept Films. The company has since gone on to produce a prequel short, "Life's Blood" starring Michael Horse ("Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron", "Passenger 57", "Twin Peaks"), Alan Tafoya ("Maniacts", "The Lost Child") and introducing, Tschetan Santana. This project received unprecedented investment support from the Jicarilla-Apache nation in Dulce, New Mexico. In development to shoot on their reservation in 2010 is the follow up story laid out in feature film, "Blood Instinct", written by Franklin Mark Austin ("The Other Side"). Demonstrating her commitment to the development of future film makers, Karen served for seven years as Jury Chairperson for the now defunct Taos Talking Picture Festival's Best Short Film Award . She is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the talents of young writers, directors, and actors. A commitment that is mirrored in the business practices of her company that include a giving back to community and mentorship program on every project. Creative energy, dedication, and vision are only a few of Karen's continuous contributions to the entertainment industry. Since 1996, she has worked her way up to the position of Vice President of Studio Services for Dreamworks Studios. The wealth of operational and managerial knowledge accumulated over the years has garnered her the ability to set up a solid infrastructure from which to give a voice to her artistic endeavors.