Karen Karls, L.S.W., a Minnesota native, has been a social worker for Itasca County Health and Human Services for over 30 years. In her role, Karls facilitates family child care and child foster care licensing, training and support. Her role is to ensure that children can develop to their full potential in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment. Karls has been involved with her local American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life for the past ten years. “My cancer diagnosis in 1999 put me into the club that no one wants to join, but I discovered that cancer survivors are an amazing group of people,” says Karls. “I also came to see how critical it is for people to have easy access to good information about their condition, latest research, treatment options and community support. Living in greater Minnesota presents challenges but should not limit the options people have.”

To contact Karen Karls, email karen.karls@co.itasca.mn.us