Building a community associated with the idea that a cord of three strands is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12
Karen Kowalski - Church Board Member
I was born in Baltimore, MD…the oldest of three children. Coming from a Catholic family, I was proud to attend Baltimore’s Seton High School and walk the same halls my Mother, Mom-Mom, God Mother, and Great Aunt had decades before! After graduating in 1982, I began working for the Department of the Army then DoD at Fort Meade until meeting and marrying Edward in 1992. We had the benefit of living/working in Okinawa, Japan and the United Kingdom before settling in Woodbridge, VA in October 1995. Moving to Culpeper County in December 2001, we felt the need to escape the hustle-bustle of Northern VA for a calmer environment to raise our daughters Caitlin and Gwendolyn. I was lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mom until both girls were attending school. Also began as an Avon representative shortly after Caitlin’s birth (September 1999), which allows me to work around my family’s schedule.
I had the opportunity to meet Pastor Lonnie Wilkerson and his wife Jan at a local Yard Sale during the spring of 2007…when I was looking for a new church. My family was met with open arms by the families at Hope Community Church and we have been enjoying fellowship and friendships ever since! Weekly services are always thought provoking and encouraging in addition to the various opportunities to attend Bible study groups.
Being passionate about helping families with special need children led me to the position of Parent Coordinator for the Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) Parent-Teacher Resource Center (PTRC). After 2 ½ years of attending on-line college classes, I finally achieved my long-term goal of completing my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in November 2009. Many thanks to my family and friends for their understanding and support during those busy, stressful days ;~)