Karen Fee, CFRE, M.Ed

Karen leverages her extensive background in education, nonprofit leadership, and strategic fundraising to elevate the Alliance’s mission of raising awareness, advocating for improved care, and empowering youth impacted by PANS/PANDAS.

With a career that began as a Teach For America corps member teaching in rural Louisiana and an outdoor educator with Outward Bound, Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and International Relations from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Education from the University of Utah. With nearly two decades of experience in fund development at Lighthouse Community Public Schools in Oakland, she specializes in donor cultivation, major-gift strategies, and grant management—securing crucial funding streams from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners to support impactful programs and policy change.

In addition, Karen volunteers with the Achon Uganda Children’s Fund, supporting youth development and health initiatives in northern Uganda and contributes her skills to Vision Quilt, helping amplify children’s stories through creative advocacy. These experiences deepen her commitment to nurturing youth voices and building vibrant, supportive communities.