Karen Ferguson

Q: Where were you born?
A: I was born in Ashtabula, OH where I spent the first 5 months of my life in foster care.  I was given up for adoption at birth so had no first name other than “baby girl”.  My foster mother could not bring herself to care for a child without a name, so she honored me with hers – Karen Ann.

At 5 months old, I was blessed to be adopted and raised by my paternal grandmother, Barbara.  She brought me home to Lansing, MI to live and grow up with her the paternal side of my family there.

After I graduated from college, I decided it was time to find and connect with my birth mother, Christine, who lives in NY.  Luckily, my search was not extensive, and I was received with open arms.  I have been happily reunited with her and the entire maternal side of my family tree also to this day.

Q: If you could do something other than your current job, what would be your dream job/career?
A: Truly, I love being in Human Resources.  When I graduated with my Bachelor of Psychology,  it seemed a natural career choice and I use and rely on all those skills daily.  If I had the stamina and funding, I believe I would have pursued my Doctorate in Psychology  and gone on to be a therapist, author, or professor.

But, my dream role, is to be a singer on Broadway!!!   For now, my stage is in my car or the shower and that is just fine with me.

Q: What are you most proud of in your life?
A: I have achieved many personal goals and overcome several challenges and losses in my life, but all have taught me perseverance and empathy.  I believe that every experience, good or bad, makes your life richer and I welcome opportunities to try something or go someplace new.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at PRIME?
A: I love the outdoors!  Hiking, camping, kayaking, or anything that involves being out in nature with my loved ones is always my favorite place to be.

Q: What is your favorite food or the best meal you ever ate?
A: My husband, Gary, is an amazing cook! I have had to the pleasure of dining in some of the finest restaurants in the world, but his meals outshine them all.

Q: What makes you smile?
A: Nothing brings me more joy than watching my 5 children (2 natural and 3 step) achieving their dreams and being their true selves. Just thinking about my oldest son playing his guitar or my youngest son making a goal in soccer has me smiling from ear to ear as I write this.

Q: If there was one person you could meet, dead or alive, who would it be?
A:  The list is long but if I had to choose just one, I think I would like to spend some time with the Dalai Lama.  I have always been fascinated by him and would love to know more about his perspectives of the world and his thoughts on spiritualism.

Q: Describe yourself in three words.
A: Adventurous, Empathic, and Caring

Q: What is your favorite song, movie, actor?
A:  I repeat – the list is long but if I had to choose just one each –  Song:  Nightswimming by REM.  Movie: Forest Gump.  Actor:  Robin Williams

Q: Where is your favorite travel destination/dream vacation?
A: I have a dream to retire and travel all over the US and Canada in an RV but Scotland and Ireland are on the top on my list of places I’ve yet to go.