Karen Kollins is the Director of Canada for Shalom Hartman Institute of North America. In this role she is responsible for developing strategy, programming, and relationships primarily in Toronto, where she lives, as well as in Montreal and throughout the country.

Karen’s experience is deeply rooted in both the formal and informal education worlds. She spent over two decades with URJ Camp George, where as the Associate Director she worked to create a transformational, inclusive, and caring community for campers and staff. Prior to her work in camping, Karen was a classroom teacher and she continues to share her passion for education as a teacher and facilitator.

After completing her B.A. in History and Religious Studies at McGill University, Karen received her B.Ed and M.Ed from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. She is also an alumna of the Institute for Informal Jewish Education Professional Leadership Seminar at Brandeis University.

Karen lives in Toronto with her husband Daniel and their two children. She is involved in various leadership capacities at Holy Blossom Temple, Toronto’s oldest Congregation.