Karen D. Faulkner heads up our People and Culture/Human Resources Department. Karen has worked with NECS for the past five years leading youth wellness programs. Karen has been a Peekskill resident for over 20 years and has been active in the community as a mother of 2 children who attended the Peekskill Schools and by introducing the proven benefits of yoga and mindfulness to the children, adults, and seniors of her community. Karen has been instrumental in creating and writing curriculum for after-school enrichment programs, Saturday Academy, developing programs with Peekskill Parks and Recreation, and creating opportunities to share yoga for people with disabilities. Karen is the founder and CEO of Inner Being LLC since 2018 and has been active in her community by leading free group classes to share her passion for wellness and the belief that yoga is for everyone. During the pandemic, Karen was recognized by the Peekskill city council for her contribution to the community’s well-being.

Karen brings this solid social awareness for people and a 25-year career as the CEO of Practice Management Expertise LLC, her healthcare consulting company, to nationwide dental practices. She has managed and contributed to the success of many health organizations through her organizational, communication, advising, coaching, training development, and leadership and management skills, along with strong business acumen. The systems and protocols customized to each organization focus on teamwork, employee development, and growth, which are paramount to the success of her clients.

Building on that foundation, Karen now leads NECS’s People and Culture/HR department, where she applies her expertise to strengthen organizational culture and promote an environment that values diversity, inclusion, and community well-being.