Karen A. Bodwell

About Karen

During Karen’s career of over 40 years in Neonatal Intensive Care and School Health nursing, she touched countless lives, providing compassionate care and making a positive impact on her patients and their families.

Beyond her nursing profession, Karen and her husband were licensed foster parents for 12 years. They opened their home and hearts to children in need, ultimately adopting 10 of the children placed in their care. They are now doting grandparents to 11 grandchildren.

Karen’s involvement in various nonprofit organizations reflects her dedication to community service. Notably, she served as the Communications Chair for the Florida Association of School Nurses, where she contributed to promoting health and wellness for students and nurses statewide. Her work with the School Board at The Arc of Palm Beach County’s Charter School further demonstrates her commitment to inclusive education and advocacy for students with disabilities.

As the Volunteer Coordinator for Friends of Foster Children (FFC), Karen continues to play a pivotal role in supporting foster families and ensuring that foster children receive the care and attention they deserved. Her efforts also extend to FFC’s Navigating Adulthood program, where she helps facilitate workshops for young adults transitioning out of foster care toward independence and success.

During her free time, Karen enjoys sewing, doing crafts and traveling. Most importantly, Karen cherishes spending time with her 11 grandchildren, relishing family gatherings and creating lasting memories.

Karen A. Bodwell embodies compassion, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Her unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others makes her an exceptional ally to children experiencing foster care in Palm Beach County.