After leaving school she went to Glasgow Caledonian University, where she gained an Honours Degree in Public Administration and Management. While at university she was an English Speaking Union Intern working on Capitol Hill for a Democrat Senator, she was also a volunteer in the constituency office of John Reid MP. 

Karen graduated in 1991 and  joined the Benefits Agency, leaving a year later to become Personal Assistant to Rachel Squire MP for Dunfermline West.

Karen was elected to the Scottish Parliament on 6th May 1999. She has been an active Labour Party member since 1988 during which time she has held various posts at every level.  She is currently a member of the National Policy Forum, which has been charged with writing the election manifesto for the next election.  

In Parliament Karen is interested in health, social inclusion, housing & voluntary sector issues.  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading and going to the cinema.  She also enjoys cooking and cake decorating.