Karen Dickson

Karen is one of the Harnish sisters (an identical twin) who co-wrote Remarkably Resilient, Community Matters in 2019. This effort stemmed from growing up in a home with multi-generational incest, abuse, and neglect. The Harnish sisters were determined to learn about the long-term health implications from their childhood and the neuroscience of trauma, then developed a stream-lined approach to help others in their own recovery journeys.

Karen brings audiences her lived experience of sexual and emotional abuse, teaching us that there is no single pathway to recovery. Although she and her identical twin, Sharon, faced some of the same traumatic experiences, each had to find their own way through the trauma, shame, and isolation. They did not fully disclose what was happening, hoping to protect each other. They learned important methods of healing in their journey through life and strive to help others with the knowledge they gained.

Karen lives in Fond Du Lac WI and spends a great deal of time in her favorite respite place, Door County Wisconsin. She loves spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family there, enjoying the arts, music, fantastic water views, natural wonders and fantastic food!

Karen is a practicing Reiki Master and is retired from her role as a corporate IT recruiter. She studied nursing at MATC in Madison, WI. She spent her earlier years volunteering as an EMT and working in the emergency room. During this time, she encountered individuals in traumatic life situations and felt called to learn more about how that trauma affected the individuals and those who cared for them.

Karen enjoys traveling, riding horses, kayaking, fishing, and watching sunsets near the water. She plays the native American flute and attends cultural events in the local area. She has a genuine love for meeting new people and learning their life stories. Her dream is to open an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary facility to help others heal from past or current traumatic experiences.