Kara is an occupational therapist, educator, and emerging Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) scholar with nearly 30 years of experience in Saskatchewan's health-care system. Her career spans clinical practice, leadership, professional regulation, research, and fieldwork education, providing her with a broad understanding of OT practice across the province and the preparation required for future practitioners
As an Instructor with the School of Rehabilitation Science, Kara draws on extensive experience in adult and older adult health, long-term care, community-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and OT student mentorship. Throughout her career, she has contributed to advancing the profession in the province through professional and regulatory work with the Saskatchewan Society of Occupational Therapists (now the Saskatchewan College of Occupational Therapists), including service as Executive Director and Registrar.
Dedicated to high-quality, student-centred education, Kara holds a Graduate Certificate in SoTL and is currently pursuing a PhD in Cross-Departmental Studies (SoTL focus) in Education at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to her role as Instructor, she contributed to teaching within the SRS and developed a strong interest in helping students bridge classroom learning and professional practice within the Saskatchewan context. Her research focuses on OT fieldwork education, specifically the experiences of clinicians who serve as fieldwork educators.
Kara is a Métis citizen of Saskatchewan and has recently had the opportunity to support Indigenous health and wellness research initiatives. Through this work, she has spent time in the northern Saskatchewan community of Île-à-la-Crosse, learning from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members. These experiences have deepened her commitment to culturally safe practice, relationship-building, and community-engaged approaches to health and education.
Kara finds balance through time with family and friends, hiking, fishing, golfing, travel, her dog, and cheering for the Blue Jays.