After spending two years as a therapist for the Heritage Senior Behavioral Health program at Wamego Health Center, Karen Knappenberger recently assumed duties as its program director. Before coming to Wamego, she spent almost seven years as the social work supervisor for the Midland Care Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE).

Born and raised in Wyoming, attending Kansas State University brought Karen to Kansas in 2000. Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree in theater, with an emphasis in Drama Therapy, and a secondary major Gerontology. She received her Master’s in Social Welfare from the University of Kansas where she also focused on aging studies.

Karen is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker and focuses on providing behavioral health services to older adults and families. She is also a Registered Drama Therapist and Board Certified Trainer through the North American Drama Therapy Association. Karen specializes in providing aging services and mental health.

She spent 3 years as an Outreach Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association, a Social Work Coordinator for the Midland Care Program of All Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) and several years as a therapist for Florence Crittenton Services in Topeka.

Karen lives with her husband and kids in Topeka. She is an avid runner and has completed two marathons and 17 half marathons. She is currently serving her second term as the Treasurer for the North American Drama Therapy Association’s Board of Directors. She enjoys cheering for her children at soccer and basketball games, attending theater shows and riding really fast roller coasters.