Meet the New Board Members: Karen Pulaski, Class of 1984

Current Profession/Background

I am currently employed as an occupational therapist in an outpatient center that provides treatment to neurologically impaired adult patients; primarily survivors of stroke, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. I have been a therapist for 28 years and have worked as a supervisor for more than 20 years in this field. Although I always maintained my own caseload while in management, I returned to a staff position almost three years ago for both professional and personal reasons.

First and Favorite Memories at the Mountain

I first became involved in the Mountain when I was an undergraduate at Bona's and the Mountain was just a vision of Fr. Dan's! For my senior-year thesis I did a research project that focused on completing a needs assessment survey with students and faculty regarding who might use the Mountain, how often they might use it and what they saw as the need for a place like the Mountain. That summer, the land was purchased and the rest is history!

I attended retreats every semester while I was a student at Bona's and while the Mountain didn't exist in physical form, the essence of the Mountain was the foundation of those retreats. Through those retreats, as well as my participation at the campus ministry center, I was given the opportunity to develop a more authentic faith and relationship with God. I came to know many of the friars in my four years at Bona's and they were a guiding force during my time there, especially Fr. Dan!  

Inspiration for Donating Time & Talents to the Mountain’s Mission

I stayed in touch with Dan intermittently throughout the years, coming back to the Mountain in 1989 and then again in 2000 (the last time bringing my 2-year-old son! He is now 19 and a freshman in college! I returned to the Mountain this past September for a week-long stay and my love and interest in the Mountain was reignited. It felt like coming home at a time in my life when I really needed to feel that way.  

Goals/Areas of Focus as a Mt. Irenaeus Board Member

I know that God led me back and I am working hard to listen and open my heart to hear what God has in store for me! Because of that, I am trying very hard not to "over plan" what my role on the board will be, but will wait and be led by what He wants to present to me. I do know the most important thing to me is that we all work together regarding the issue of sustainability for the Mountain and to ensure it will be there for many future generations. I also feel drawn to any work that allows us to extend the Mountain experience beyond the physical place of the Mountain itself. I am honored to have been considered and accepted onto the board and I look forward to exploring what the future brings!