As Seen In…
I may be standing on a stage holding a microphone, but you’ll feel like we’re cozied up on the couch holding hands. I don’t preach or talk at you. Instead, I invite you on a candid journey through my traumatic childhood using raw and vulnerable storytelling.
We’ll step into my colorful past where you’ll meet my mentally unstable mother, my hustling, prison-going father, and scrappy 12-year-old me who struggled to hold my fragile, chaotic family together.
Trauma is a bear. It shapes and molds us and leaves us either wrecked on the shores of life or falsely believing that success and perfectionism will buy us out of our internal hell.
After breaking free from my troubled past and healing myself from the throes of trauma, I’m helping others navigate their path to healing by:
Using my skills as a successful trial attorney to distill the complicated matters of brain science.
Sharing my story and what I’ve learned about how to let go of pain, find real self-love, and rise above old, false stories.
When we part ways, you’ll leave elated, excited, and primed to create the life you’ve only dreamed of. You may even invite me to Thanksgiving dinner!
Why I’m taking my message from the page to the stage:
- Because after my book Rise Above the Story resonated with thousands of people, I want to help even more people heal from trauma and stop the fake news feed their storytelling brain creates.
- Because I want people to know they aren’t alone in their pain or their suffering.
- Because I want people to stop living small and being unhappy and remind them that they are worthy of a good life.
- But mostly because I want to see their faces light up with a deep knowing that if I could rise above my story, they can, too.
My Signature Speeches:
How to Rise Above Your Story & Heal From Trauma
Your Brain is a Master Storyteller — How to Stop It’s Fake News
How to Find Authentic Self-Love
There Aren’t Enough Louis or Lambos to Heal Your Inner Child
Mike Love
lead singer and lyricist of The Beach Boys
“Because of Karena’s kind, compassionate, and caring nature, she has shared her own stories, and most importantly, her methods on how to rise above our stories. She shows us how to liberate ourselves from the grip of those experiences that all too often limit our chances to live life to the fullest.”
Richard Celeste
former Governor of Ohio and author of In the Heart of It All
“Karena does more than dig deeply into her own story. She helps us understand how digging just as deeply into our own story can set us free…be prepared for a demanding journey. And be open to a fresh and joyful destination.”
John Stamos
New York Times Bestselling Author, Actor and Musician
“Karena will help you let go of your own past by embracing every beautiful, imperfect piece of yourself—no matter what your story looks like.”
Andrea Miller
CEO and founder of YourTango.com, host of the podcast Open Relationships: Transforming Together, and author of Radical Acceptance
“Karena shares hard-won truths about the nature of trauma, recovery, and catharsis. Sharing her own empowering and heartbreaking story, she shines a light on a path to healing that will light the way for many.”
Jacqueline Lundquist
author, journalist, and filmmaker
“It takes more than courage to transform a painful past into a flourishing future. It is Karena’s open heart, loving nature, optimistic outlook, and the desire to help others heal that has turned her story of hurt and anguish to a guidebook for others to overcome their trauma.”
Todd Buchanan
President, World Financial Group
“To the millions of people who endured childhood struggles, including me, Karena says, “it’s ok.” It’s ok to share your story. It’s ok to ask for help. It’s ok to finally let it all go. [Karena offers] the guidebook we all need to acknowledge, release, and move beyond our limiting stories and find lasting emotional freedom. By sharing her own incredible story, Karena gives you the freedom and opportunity to reflect on your own personal path and PREVAIL!”
Listen to Karena
