Born and raised in Seattle, Kari, graduated with a major in environmental studies from St. Lawrence University. She began her career with the U.S. Forest Service in Randle, Wash., as a wildland firefighter from 2017 to 2019. During this time, she also joined the ski patrol at White Pass Ski Area, becoming the longest-serving female pro-patroller. In 2020, she transferred departments to focus on wildlife surveys in Naches, Wash.
She has worked at the Olympic National Park on a backcountry owl crew, monitoring endangered and threatened wildlife species using autonomous recording units (ARUs). On her off days, you will find Kari gravel or mountain biking, nordic or alpine skiing, surfing, canoeing, playing tennis, or spending time with her dogs. She is a new resident of Bainbridge Island. Please introduce yourself to her and share your motivation for supporting public, outdoor spaces on the Island!