Karen Andazola, FPCC, is an Associate Director of Engagement Strategies at Planetree International, a mission-driven non-profit organization setting the global standard for person-centered excellence across the continuum of care. Karen serves as a vital link between potential members, affiliate members, and the engagement strategies team, conducting training and consulting for organizations across the United States and around the world. Karen's responsibilities include onsite organizational assessments and coaching, communications, and administration for Planetree's online member community, My Planetree. In addition, Karen is a member of the Certification team where she provides coaching and education on the evidence-based personcentered care framework and conducts virtual and onsite lived experience assessments for organizations pursuing Certification.
As a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Karen also works closely with Planetree affiliates throughout the Veterans Health Administration in the United States.
Prior to her position at Planetree, Karen spent 16 years working for Mid-Columbia Medical Center (MCMC), the first hospital to implement the Planetree framework for person-centered care facility-wide. During her time at MCMC, Karen developed the visual and experiential components of the employee recognition program, "Shades of Planetree," which received the 2009 Laura Gilpin Spirit of Planetree Award.