Karen Guisbert joined the Shoals Shelter committee in February 2026 and has volunteered at The Help Center since October 2025.

Volunteer commitments before moving to Florence in 2021 have included Harmony Farms Horses for the Handicapped in Viera, Fla., summer surf camp instructor in Cocoa Beach, and House of Hope food and clothing ministry on Merritt Island.

Karen grew up in Eastern Kentucky and relocated in 1978 to study agriculture at the University of Florida. That educational pursuit shifted, earning a degree in journalism and communications. After roles at two small publications, Karen was hired at Florida Today, the sister newspaper of USA TODAY, on the Space Coast. After retirement in 2015, work included special education instructional assistant at a middle school, and freelance reporting and editing.