Karen Leonard Helps St. Louis Area Chapter Educate Thousands
Karen Leonard became a Red Cross volunteer in 2001, but her connection to the Red Cross mission goes back many years. Karen, a registered nurse, frequently found herself treating patients for preventable injuries. “In the back of my mind, I always thought that had these people been trained in First Aid or disaster preparedness, they wouldn’t be sitting in front of me needing medical treatment,” she explained. “I knew there were organizations in our community that taught preparedness skills and I thought I could be of service.”
Since joining the Red Cross, Karen frequently gives disaster preparedness presentations at schools and businesses. She covers topics such as fire, winter storm, and earthquake safety for adults and school-age children. “I especially love to give presentations to children,” she said. “They are so receptive and interested in the Red Cross message.”
Outside of the Red Cross, Karen has many interests and, not surprisingly, education is one of them. For several years she worked as a critical care and recovery room nurse and is currently in the process of earning a masters degree in nursing. “Right now I am refocusing my interests toward community health,” she explained. “In the future, I want to teach nursing classes and educate nurses in how to respond during disasters.”
Karen’s other interests include music, dancing, and traveling. She and her husband, Andy, especially enjoy going to California to visit their two children. “I absolutely love going to California, my kids live too far away,” said Karen.
Despite all her interests and schoolwork, Karen finds plenty of time to commit to the Red Cross. “Karen is always teaching disaster education and is ready to help out when we need it,” said Julia Marsh, community disaster education specialist. “She is one of the best people I know, personally and professionally.”
“It’s a joy to work in the CDE program,” said Karen. “It’s always a pleasure to walk into the Red Cross as I feel at home there, and I’m very thankful that I’m able to volunteer for this organization.”
Click here for more information on CDE presentations offered by the St. Louis Area Chapter.
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