Karen worked for Greater Manchester Police for 14 years working for much of
that time for the Home Office Large Major Enquiry team, working on both murder
enquiries, sensitive enquiries and undercover operations, fortunately compiling
and maintaining computer databases rather than at the coalface.  During this
time she qualified as a person-centred counsellor gaining certificate, advanced
certificate and Diploma level qualifications.  She finished working for the
police after the birth of her first daughter Meganne in 1998 and worked part
time as an adult counsellor even after the birth of second daughter Katie in
2001. 

 

Karen had been growing in her personal faith since the birth of Meganne and
felt that she was being called to work with young people.  She began to
volunteer for the one to one service at Zacs in (date? )  offering counselling
and support to young people.

 

In July, 2008 Karen studied for the 'Advanced Diploma in Mentoring and the
support of Personal Development in Education' and, at this time, funding became
available at Zacs to offer her 4 hours work per week to work towards achieving
the mentoring and befriending award for Zacs.  In January, 2009 Karen was
awarded the qualification.  At the present time we still have not achieved the
mentoring and befriending award, as the awarding body changed the criteria just
as the portfolio was about to be submitted.  We are still actively working
towards this though.  The one to one service goes from strength to strength
attracting more young people most weeks than there are staff available - but
everyone is seen.

 

In July 2009 Karen achieved B.A (hons) in English after nearly 5 years of
part time study.

 

Karen's passion is particularly for the 7-12 age group (as well as youth)
and she enjoys working in primary schools, especially in her own community of
Little Lever.  "Many young people these days miss out on the opportunity of
realising their relationship with God and it is a privilege to be in a position
to share the story of Jesus with young people and to work relationally with
them"

 

Karen also works part time for Bolton Christian Community Cohesion and has
recently been seconded, as Community Cohesion Chaplain, to the University of
Bolton.

 

Karen is married to Bill, known to the young people as 'Friedel' due to the
striking similarity to the smooth headed footballer.  Bill normally helps with
the football sessions but is out of action at present with an achilles tendon
injury, for which he is receiving physio.