30 Facts About Karen Pence

Early Life and Education

Karen Pence's journey began in Kansas, where she was born into a family with a strong work ethic and a commitment to education.

1. Karen Sue Batten was born on January 1, 1957, at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas.
2. Her parents, Lillian (née Hacker) and John M. Batten, divorced when she was very young.
3. Karen's mother remarried Bernard Barcio in 1967, providing her with a stable family environment.
4. She grew up in the Broad Ripple Village neighborhood of Indianapolis.
5. Karen graduated as valedictorian from Bishop Chatard High School.

Academic Pursuits

Karen's passion for education led her to pursue higher studies, focusing on teaching and art.

6. She attended Butler University, where she studied to become a teacher.
7. Karen minored in art during her time at Butler University.
8. She earned both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Master of Science (M.S.) in elementary education from Butler University.

Marriage and Family Life

Karen's personal life has been deeply intertwined with her husband's political career and their shared commitment to family values.

9. Karen married Mike Pence on June 8, 1985.
10. The couple has three children: Michael, Audrey, and Charlotte Pence Bond.
11. Charlotte Pence Bond wrote a book titled Where the Light Enters: Building a Family, Discovering Myself about her experiences as the daughter of a vice president.

Career in Education

Karen Pence has dedicated much of her life to teaching, impacting countless students along the way.

12. She taught at several schools in Indianapolis, including John Strange Elementary, Acton Elementary, Fall Creek Elementary, and the Orchard School.
13. After taking a break to raise her children, Karen returned to teaching.
14. She became an arts teacher at Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, Virginia, a position she held for twelve years.

Return to Teaching

Karen's passion for teaching art led her back to the classroom in 2019, despite the controversies that followed.

15. In January 2019, Karen announced her return to teaching as a part-time art teacher at Immanuel Christian School.
16. Her decision to return to Immanuel Christian School was met with controversy due to the school's policies regarding LGBTQ+ students and employees.
17. The school bans LGBTQ+ students and employees and has policies that do not condone homosexual activity or transgender identity.
18. Mike Pence defended his wife's decision, accusing critics of attacking religious education.

Advocacy for Art Therapy

As Second Lady, Karen Pence championed the cause of art therapy, highlighting its benefits for mental health.

19. In 2017, she announced a platform called "Art Therapy: Healing with the HeART."
20. The "Healing with the HeART" initiative focuses on the therapeutic benefits of art.
21. This initiative aims to promote art therapy as a viable mental health profession.

Artistic Career

Karen's love for art extends beyond teaching; she has also pursued a career in painting.

22. She took a class in watercolor painting after the birth of her first child.
23. Karen has painted portraits of houses and historic buildings.
24. She has completed as many as thirty-five paintings a year, some on commission and others sold at local art fairs.

Public Roles and Perception

Karen's roles as First Lady of Indiana and Second Lady of the United States have placed her in the public eye, where she has faced both praise and criticism.

25. From 2013 to 2017, Karen served as the First Lady of Indiana.
26. From January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, she served as the Second Lady of the United States.
27. Her association with Immanuel Christian School's policies regarding LGBTQ+ individuals has led to accusations of supporting discriminatory practices.

Personal Beliefs and Values

Karen's strong faith and commitment to family values have been central to her life and public image.

28. Karen is known for her strong faith and commitment to her family.
29. She places a strong emphasis on family values and has spoken publicly about the importance of maintaining a healthy marriage and raising children with strong moral principles.
30. Karen's legacy extends beyond her time as Second Lady, with contributions to education, art therapy, and community engagement leaving a lasting impact on American society.

Karen Pence: A Life of Dedication

Karen Pence's life showcases a blend of education, art, and family values. From her early days as a teacher to her role as Second Lady, she has consistently championed art therapy and Christian education. Her return to teaching at Immanuel Christian School sparked controversy, yet she remained steadfast in her beliefs. Through initiatives like "Healing with the HeART," she highlighted the therapeutic power of art. Her personal life, marked by a strong faith and commitment to family, has been both praised and scrutinized. Despite the challenges, Karen's contributions to education and community engagement have left a lasting impact. Her legacy is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and art to transform lives.