“I created ABL Fitness because I believe fitness is without limits. Every athlete deserves a place where they are welcomed, understood, and empowered to succeed. Through connection, trust, and individualized support, we help athletes of all abilities discover their strengths, build confidence, and achieve goals they may never have thought possible.”

Karen is a passionate physical therapist, strength and conditioning specialist, and advocate for inclusive fitness with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals achieve their fullest potential. Her career has been guided by a simple belief: every person is capable of growth, success, and living a healthier, more connected life when provided with the right support and opportunities.

Karen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Studies from Brown University, where she was a four-year varsity athlete and Captain of the Women’s Gymnastics Team. Inspired by the powerful role movement and fitness play in overall well-being, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Boston University.

She began her professional career at the renowned Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU and has since gained experience across a wide range of settings, including sports orthopedics, aquatic therapy, early intervention, skilled nursing facilities, and public education. Most recently, Karen served as a district-wide physical therapist for a local school district, where she spent over eight years supporting students with diverse abilities and learning styles.

Throughout her career, Karen has been dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for inclusion and community connection. As the leader of her district’s Unified Program, she helped develop and expand inclusive initiatives both in schools and throughout the community. She spearheaded events such as the Race to Embrace, a 5K Walk, Run, and Roll celebrating individuals of all abilities, and Inclusive Community Day, which brought together students, families, and community members through shared experiences and connection.

One of Karen’s favorite accomplishments was co-creating and teaching a high school Unified Wellness course. In this class, students learned practical strategies for lifelong health through the Five Factors of Health: Recover, Eat, Connect, Think, and Move. Karen loved empowering students to discover simple, sustainable habits that could positively impact their physical, social, and emotional well-being.

Karen has continued to improve her educational skills with most recently becoming credentialed in Exercise is Medicine through the American College of Sports Medicine as well as a certified Inclusive Fitness Specialist.

What truly sets Karen apart is her ability to create individualized programs that honor each person’s unique strengths, goals, learning preferences, and communication styles. By combining evidence-based strength and conditioning principles with neuro-affirming physical therapy practices, she develops programs that help athletes of all abilities succeed.

At ABL Fitness, Karen leads adaptive and Kids Ninja and Stronger for Life fitness classes, individual physical therapy sessions and personal training sessions. 

Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending time with her three amazing children, strength training, playing pickleball, and gathering for Sunday family dinners.