Karen McKinnon – Speaker

Karen McKinnon is the Women’s Resource Coordinator for Oxford House, Inc. a nonprofit network of 2100 (nationally) self-help recovery homes. She has been a woman in long-term recovery since July 1996. Karen has worked has worked with Oxford House since 2008. In 2011, becoming the first ever Oxford House Women’s Resource Coordinator in the country. Today her work is used as a model across the country.

Born in Newark NJ, the family moved to Raleigh NC in July 1978. At the age of seventeen Karen attended A & T State University in Greensboro NC. Upon entering the Oxford House program not only did she attain certification in Dental Assisting while she raised her son but thrived in her sobriety. Once her son was heading to college Karen began her career with Oxford House Inc. as a peer advocate. In a quest for clinical knowledge about substance use disorder Karen attended Wake Technical University and obtained an Associates Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling in May 2014. Today Karen actively works passionately with the women residents in Oxford House by providing resources to assist them with a continuum of care so that they may thrive in recovery.