Hello, I'm Kari

I grew up loving the water and have always had a passion for pushing past my limits.

The river provided me opportunities to practice letting go of misconceptions of myself, others, and of the river, and to be in the present moment more fully. I take every opportunity to share this experience and provide support for anyone seeking to break through their own boundaries.

What I do when I'm not swimming

I began my career as a research exercise physiologist (UMASS, Amherst ‘89, ‘92) which then led me to pursue a PhD in Biostatistics (PITT ‘06). With 19 years in the pharmaceutical industry, I currently work as a director of statistical operations at a clinical research organization. I also serve on the Board of Trustees at Connecticut River Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that opened my eyes to the many dedicated people working to protect and restore healthy, swimmable rivers.

On a more personal note, in 2016 I began an exploration into racism and my own white conditioning. I am committed to helping create and hold space so other white people can explore how racism and white conditioning have impacted their lives and the communities they belong to while continuing my own inquiry. I actively fulfill this commitment as a teacher-in-training with the UNtraining organization.

I balance these professional and personal commitments through physical pursuits that are meditative in nature. I have completed two ultra-distance triathlons and am the first person to swim the entire length of the 410-mile Connecticut River. I live in South Hadley, MA with my wife, Alison, and our two cats.