Faculty and Staff

Karen has taught Urban Studies, English electives and Independent Studies tutorials on the San Francisco Urban Program since Fall 1997. A native of Southern California and alumna of Westmont College (’83), Karen previously taught in the English department at Westmont, and on England Semester 1994 with Professor Steve Cook. Prior to returning to her alma mater in the mid-1990s, Karen taught at various institutions such as Azusa Pacific University, Harvey Mudd College, and Kobe College—a women’s college in Kobe, Japan.

Together with her young son, Karen lives in the Bernal Heights neighborhood here in San Francisco.  She is devoted to parenting, teaching, and pursuing God's truth and beauty through literature and the arts. In her teaching and writing, she highlights the voices of those who are silenced and marginalized. She treasures relationships with family and friends, especially sharing meaningful conversation over meals. Karen typically spends her leisure time reading, walking, playing with her son, watching movies, listening to music, thinking, praying, writing, conversing with friends and enjoying the simple pleasures—like a good cup of tea.

Brad enjoys the arts, the outdoors, cross-cultural encounters and most of all working with college age young adults.  He also spends a fair bit of time these days keeping up with his 10 year-old son who is a sports nut to the core as well as connecting with close, long-time friends.  His other passions include the integration of faith and social justice, racial/ethnic reconciliation and holistic spiritual formation.  Good food, good music and a good laugh likewise sustain him.  In working with the program, Brad thrives on seeing how students discover themselves, the world and God in renewed ways and the privilege of journeying with them in this process.