Karen Franke
Karen holds a BA in Zoology from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s in Education from Plymouth State University. A dedicated educator, they spent 25 years teaching physical science, biology, and chemistry at Kennett High School, where they also served as the Science Department Chair for 12 years. Their extensive teaching career also includes roles at the College for Lifelong Learning (later Granite State College) and Plymouth State University, where they taught Human Biology for nine years with a special focus on human-environmental issues.
The Tin Mountain Conservation has held a special place in Karen's family for forty years. The connection began in 1986 when their eldest daughter attended the very first Tin Mountain day camp in Jackson. Since then, the tradition has continued through Karen's daughters and three grandsons, all of whom spent fifteen years participating in Tin Mountain camps from ages 5 to 16. This deep connection heavily inspired the family's lifelong passion for the environment and outdoor exploration.
Today, Karen serves the community as a volunteer for several local organizations and works part-time as the Office Administrator for the Dearborn Foundation. An avid outdoor enthusiast, they enjoy Alpine and Nordic skiing, hiking, traveling, kayaking, reading, and sharing outdoor adventures with family.
