Karen Smolen

Hi, I’m Karen Smolen. I’m a healthcare professional based in San Marcos, California, with a lifelong dedication to health, healing, and personal growth. My career has spanned over 30 years, starting with a deep interest in clinical nutrition and expanding into integrative medicine, where I blend traditional Western practices with Eastern herbal approaches. I hold a B.A. in Clinical Nutrition from Queens College (1988) and an M.S. in Clinical Nutrition from NY Medical College (1990). I’ve always believed that science and empathy should go hand in hand.

From a young age, I was drawn to living beings—especially animals—and to creativity. I began raising parrots when I was 12 and found early joy in sketching animals and exploring art. That same curiosity and love for living things has stayed with me throughout my life and career. Today, I express it not just in my medical work, but also through my art and hobbies.

I’m a classically trained drummer with a passion for rock and punk. I’ve been playing since I was 13 and continue to take weekly lessons to stay sharp and inspired. Drumming is more than music for me—it’s focus, therapy, rhythm, and release. It helps me manage stress, stay motivated, and show up more fully in every area of my life.

Art has always been another outlet. I create bold, colorful pop art, mostly featuring animals, and have turned those designs into a line of clothing for pets. What started as a fun personal project evolved into something more meaningful—a blend of creativity, compassion, and personal expression. My creative work allows me to stay connected to what I love while also contributing to others in a unique and joyful way.