Karen is always developing creative arts classes that help to keep my hands from getting stiff from the CRPS and arthritis. During the classes, she comes around to see if you need help or if you need to take a break. She makes sure that with my limitations, the instructors will give me extra help when I need it without having to feel embarrassed about it at all. She has helped some of us to form a group called Pen and Pencil, which is a writing group. Through this group, I was able, with her strong encouragement, to write a story last year for the Creative Arts Festival and took a gold medal at National. Karen went to National with me, and I don't think I could have done it without her. My PTSD from basic training was in the same place as National. While there, I had a coughing and sneezing fit, which caused me to rupture several blood vessels in my eye. Karen saw this and immediately sent me to the medical room in the hotel. She was right on everything that took place. I am so thankful to have her to work at our local VA!