Graduate Kirkwood High School (Kirkwood, Missouri), 1976; B.A. in Spanish, Truman State University, 1980; Diploma in Comprehensive Nutrition, Huntington College of Health Sciences, 1994; M.S. in Biochemistry, University of Saint Joseph, 2017.

Nutritionist; owner of Karen R. Hurd Nutritional Practice, 1994-present; K-12 substitute teacher, Fall Creek School System, 2021-present. Served as U.S. Army Captain, Military Intelligence, 1980-84.

Member- Fall Creek Valley Housing/Fall Creek Retirement Housing (board member, former president); American Legion Post 376 (color guard commander, chaplain); Fall Creek Public Library Trustee; Fall Creek Lions Club; Fall Creek Historical Society.

Former member- Faith Evangelical Free Church (director of music, worship leader, Sunday school teacher, women's bible study leader).

Recipient- Army Commendation Medal; Air Assault Badge; Expert Marksmanship Badge.

Elected Fall Creek Village Trustee, 2021-present. Elected to Assembly 2022.