Karen Lodrick has been a creative consultant, speaker, performer and writer for the past 17 years. It began with a degree in Theater and Film.

Karen started out as a scenic artist for Universal Studios and Nickelodeon which was basically a glorified carpenter. Although she fought long and hard for the opportunity to work in the film industry she couldn’t take being covered in lacquer and dirt 24/7. So she decided to return to school for a Fine Art degree, and majored in Drawing and Painting. A slight detour into pre-med classes turned out to be helpful for drawing human and animal forms (from the inside out!), and Karens love for the creative process brought her back to Fine Art!

Karen graduated with the hopes of working as a “real” artist (ah, dreams of a studio, gallery exhibits, and fame!), but the demand for graphic art was increasing. Her plan was to work as an artist; not starve as one, so she began her career in graphic art as a graphic designer for small advertising and printing firms. Karen received extensive training; her drawing ability allowed her to pursue opportunities as a technical illustrator. During this time, Karen learned an interesting thing called "html"!

Karen moved to San Francisco in 1997 and quickly was recruited into the dotcom craze. Her career path went from graphic design to writing. Karen's urges to get back to her theater roots lead her to new creative outlets; she chose stand-up comedy. None of her family or friends were surprised at her interest in comedy, they have accused her of being "naturally funny" (they've been laughing at her for years!). Karen landed an agent and was discovered by the terrific John Cantu, who took her under his wing to teach her the art of humorous speaking. He said Karen had a spark, a nature charm for the stage, and heck she could even be hilarious on occasion!

So how did all this lead to Karen's present day life, as an identity theft specialist? Was it the love she has for crime-solving shows? Not really, Karen was a victim of identity theft and her life has never been the same. When Karen's bank didn't help her, when the police said they didn't have the resources, and the courts had no choice but to let her thief go with a criminal record a mile long; she decided to take matters into her own hands. So, Karen did my own research and "legwork" to get a handle on this crime. Best of all Karen trusted my instincts and she captured my identity theft.

Now, Karen is diligent in providing awareness to help those who have become victims and to help those before they become a victim. Her work here is not done until she see's a change, because three years later she still read how prevalent the crime is. It’s like it has become normal practice to be fraudulent and criminal. White collar crimes are on the rise, and victims are still baring the burden.