Karen is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She has a passion for helping people and particularly loves working with parents, children, and those experiencing grief. She is trained in trauma-informed care, including training with Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
Karen grew up in Beeville and is an AC Jones graduate. She also graduated from Bee County College and Corpus Christi State University. Karen received her Master of Education degree in Counseling from University of Houston in Victoria in 2010. Prior to becoming a counselor, Karen was a public school teacher for 25 years, in a variety of grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th grade. In addition to serving and impacting children in the classroom, Karen was invited to become a member of Delta Kappa Gamma – an honorary teacher service organization. She held several positions for DKG, including President, Vice President, and Secretary. She has a heart for children and has dedicated her entire professional life to helping them. Upon leaving the classroom, Karen served with STCH Ministries in Pettus, Goliad, Victoria, and Corpus Christi. During her time at STCH, Karen counseled children, adolescents, adults, couples, and led multiple group sessions and trainings.
After serving in ministry full time for over 6 years, Karen felt the Lord calling her to something different. She transitioned to counseling part-time and joined the Serenity Counseling Services team in May of 2019.
Karen takes great pride in her community and pairs her love for the small town feel with her desire to provide excellent service to those she counsels. Because of this, confidentiality is of utmost importance with Karen, as is with all SCS team members.
Karen is a First Baptist Church member, Sunday School teacher, and former FBC School Board Member. She has served on countless committees and gives her all in all she does.
Karen is married to the love of her life, Chuck Knowlton. They have four adult children and four grandchildren. They can often be found enjoying the river, camping, playing games, and just being together. Karen also has a gift in quilting and enjoys creating new pieces in her free time. Karen’s favorite quote is “He’ll turn your mess into a message” and her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”