Karen Osborne
Meet Arundel Lodge
Pillar, Karen Osborne. Karen is a Maryland native originally from Baltimore County. She lives in Severna Park with husband, Scott “Ozzie” Osborne, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and Jet Blue pilot. Karen has 3 children, Justin (22), Ryan (18), and Kaitlyn (12). She owns a successful interior design firm in Severna Park,
Karen Renee Interior Design, where she personally specializes in model home merchandising.
Karen says that her mission is to “make a difference for people in any way I can-for a good cause, for my employees, and for my family and friends.”
We sat down with Karen to find out a little more.
Arundel Lodge: How do you go about making a difference for others?
Karen: I start by asking myself, how will other’s lives be impacted by knowing me? What can I add to their life? When you contribute to others, your life is automatically enriched. It’s inevitable.
Arundel Lodge: How did you become involved with Arundel Lodge?
Karen: I was initially approached by Tanya St. John to do volunteer interior design work for the Marcus Youth and Family Center. We worked on that project together and it was a joy to see it come to fruition. She didn’t know it at the time, but mental health and substance use disorders have touched someone close to me. It’s one of those things that touches many people’s lives. Most people have either suffered themselves or know people who suffer from mental health disorders or addiction.
Arundel Lodge: So, is that why you volunteer at Arundel Lodge?
Karen: Yes, I think I was meant to be involved with Arundel Lodge. It was a bit of synchronicity. It’s time to end the stigma and get help for the people and their families who need it and hopefully save some lives. Tanya opened up an opportunity for me to act on what was lined up for me next, to make a difference in the area of mental health and substance abuse, a challenging issue that really matters a lot to me. I think Arundel Lodge is doing great work and I am proud to be associated with the people that make wonderful things happen there.
Arundel Lodge: What have you done with the
Pillars?
Karen: I’m on the Outreach Committee. About 8 months ago, Janet West, Tanya and I set out to start a speaker series called, “The Glimpse: A Look Inside Mental Health.” We wanted to increase community awareness and really get conversations going around the topic. The project officially launched in October with our first event, “Outsmart Stress To Be Your Best.” Dr. Melissa Kerr and Anna O’Connor, from Brain Savvy, shared ways to manage stress and take control in the moment that stress is happening. Stress is unavoidable, but we don’t have to be victims of it. We can use its energy in positive ways to work for us. This is part of a prevention initiative too. It’s about having the tools so that when things come up in life, as they do for everyone, we’re not at a loss. It was an evening of fun, connection and valuable learning.
Arundel Lodge: What’s next for you and the
Pillars?
Karen: Our next “The Glimpse” presentation is
February 15th. It’s a partnership with National Alliance on Mental Illness, Anne Arundel County Chapter. Miss International 2015 and practicing therapist, Elise Banks, M.S., LPC, is coming from her home state of Texas to present“Healthy Mind, Successful Life.” This is a platform that she created to break down the stigma associated with mental illness.
She’ll also talk about mental health stigma and the African American community. We’re really excited!
Arundel Lodge: What would you say to someone thinking about being a
Pillar?
Karen: It’s highly worthy of anyone who has a passion or wants to make a difference in our community’s Mental Health. We want to expand the
Pillars team and your time and efforts are so needed and will be well appreciated. I have really found fulfillment and satisfaction working with Tanya and Arundel Lodge to keep things moving forward - developing bonds and being connected to people who have the same passion.
