Hi Friend,

My name is Kara. I am the Chief Branding Officer and co-founder of BoardWise. Before BoardWise, I worked in one of the most challenging environments imaginable, the COVID Intensive Care Unit during the height of the pandemic.

The world remembers those days as chaotic and frightening from the outside. But on the inside? It was a constant state of crisis. Workflows were breaking. Systems were overwhelmed. Safety nets that normally protected patients and providers weren't just frayed — they were gone.

In the midst of that chaos, a tragic medication error happened under my care. It was a mistake that slipped through multiple hands in a system stretched beyond human limits. A patient lost their life. A wife lost her husband. My heart broke. My world spun out. And in the aftermath, I faced a board complaint that shook me to my core. It wasn't just a professional challenge, it was a personal collapse. I questioned everything: my purpose, my worth, my future.

With time, help, and community, something incredible happened. The patient's wife graciously reached out to me. We met and she will forever be a part of my life and my story. When we met, her compassion, empathy and understanding was so genuine and profound. It's a level of grace I've only ever seen in a few people in my life and honestly, I always thought I was one of the rare ones who carried that kind of heart. We were alike. She met me with the same depth of humanity I try to offer others. It was humbling, comforting and something that will live with me forever. This part of my story changed the trajectory of my healing.

At the same time, I was held up by my therapist and medication manager who have been by my side for six years, along with my mother, my family, and friends who refused to let me fall. With their support, I survived not just the board investigation — but the darkest moments of my life.

I kept my license- after a period of suspension, serving a probationary period, a large fine, CEU's and much more.

I kept working-after emptying my retirement and savings.

I kept working as a nurse- with constant worry and the deepest sense of imposter syndrome and guilt.

I survived-after living on my mom's couch for a year (literally catatonic with bouts of guttural/desperate crying sessions) not even wanting to swallow my own spit because I was in the deepest depression of my life.

I get it.

But I kept moving forward and I grew.

That growth led to purpose.

Today, BoardWise exists because we never want another licensed professional, in any field, to feel as alone and afraid as we once did. We all deserve that depth of humanity while we are just trying to survive. Together with my business partner and CEO, Matthew, we built something new:

A simpler, clearer way to navigate board complaints
A supportive environment centered on empathy
A team that sees the person behind the profession
A team that understands to our core

As I work toward my master's degree to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I'm committed to making sure that mental health support is woven into everything we offer. Because protecting your license should never come at the cost of your emotional wellbeing.

Outside of work, I recharge through creativity and nature — four-wheeling, hiking, making art, and spending time with the ones I love, including my best buds- my two dogs, Cooper and Nala. Those moments remind me why this mission matters: People. Connection. Hope.

If you're reading this because you're facing a complaint, I want you to hear this clearly:

You are not alone.
You are human.
You are more than your worst moment.
You deserve grace, guidance, and a path forward.

BoardWise is here because we truly understand; not from the outside, but from experience. We're here to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

We're honored to walk with you through this chapter and into your next.

Here for you, always.

Kara