Your Bridge to Community Resources: Community Liaison
Navigating the complexities of elder care and related services can be challenging. As Community Liaison, Karen Leary is here to help. Karen works closely with local organizations and service providers to connect clients with the resources they need, whether it’s support groups, healthcare providers, or financial assistance programs. Her goal is to ensure that clients have access to the full range of services available to them, simplifying the process and improving their quality of life.
Team Member Since 2008
What do you do at the firm? Try to describe in 1 – 2 sentences.
I do outreach to both the public and to other business and referral sources. My job is to educate them on who we are, what we do, how we do it, and why we do it. I want people to know that by establishing their estate plan now, they are avoiding what we call ‘crisis planning’ which is so incredibly stressful. I want them to know we can help them and provide peace of mind. I am not a salesperson. I am a wife, a mother, and a daughter who has to navigate their exact challenges.
What do you like about working at the firm?
I literally work for the best people. Period. Dan and Michelle are so caring and compassionate not only towards their clients but to all of us as their employees. They know each and every one personally and when we fall on our own hard times, they are the first ones to say, “How can we help you?” You cannot put a price on that.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
What a Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong.
Do you have a personal motto or favorite quote?
- Be the change you want to see in the world. – Ghandi
- Be the woman who fixes another woman’s crown. Without telling the world that it was crooked. – Anonymous
What do you want our clients to know about you?
I have been married 30 years to my husband, Tim. We have one daughter, Katie and a Shetland Sheepdog named Libby. I like to say that I was bred and buttered in New Bedford. I am very proud of my beautiful city and of my Portuguese heritage and how much it influenced my work ethic. My parents made incredible sacrifices to send me to private school and SMU (now UMass Dartmouth) where I graduated with a degree in Political Science and English. My interests include cooking, going to the beach and… shopping!
For many years I worked for AT&T where I excelled in customer service in various positions. I left the job I loved to become a stay-at-home Mom and to care for my mother who had severe cardiac issues. 13 years ago I applied as a part time Community Liaison and am forever grateful to Dan and Michelle for taking a chance and hiring me. As someone who had to navigate my mother’s illness and death, this is all very personal to me. I know how clients feel because I am a client. I’ve sat on the other side of that table and I know what they are going through and how they feel.
What’s your favorite local spot?
I love Downtown New Bedford! It’s my very favorite place in the world. I love the history, the architecture, and the food that represents our working waterfront and the hard-working people from all different backgrounds. I feel like Southeastern Massachusetts is a hidden gem. I love the area beaches, I love the walking trails in the woods or on the hurricane barrier, I love the farms, I love the arts and theater and so much more. The best part of where we are located, we are just a stone’s throw from Providence, Newport, the Cape, and Boston.. and all without the traffic and congestion!
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