Raised in urban Manitoba in the winter, and in the backwoods of Northwestern Ontario in the summer,, Karen Bate went on to receive a degree with a double major in theatre and psychology. Pursuing the theatre dream, she completed the professional post-graduate diploma course at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. She returned to Canada with new perspectives, only to re-discover the natural beauties and wonders on her own doorstep. Better than any Oscars she could have received are her two grown adored (and adorable) children, Allison and Devon. She now resides in suburbia with her husband John, two garden gnomes, eight goldfish, a travelling teddy bear named Quigs, and far too many plants