I was born and raised in Utah until my marriage to a US Army soldier. For the past 20+ yrs I moved around and traveled quite a bit, and landed myself and my 7 yr old daughter here in Tyler,Tx. I am a mother to my only child and I have a wonderful boyfriend who supports me in all my endeavors. One of which is our LGBTQ+ Youth Group. I observed that there were plenty of other groups who are all wonderful and offer support to college age and older adults, but not a lot for our youth. They need to know they are not excluded from their community and peers. Myself and my friend / Co-leader Jessica Hayes set out to build this group to provide activities and resources for our Youth, parents and allies.

A native Oklahoman, Karen arrived in Texas at the age of three and has claimed the state has her home ever since. She spent her early years in Dallas, but has lived in Tyler almost continuously since age ten, leaving only for education at UT-Austin where she earned her B.S. in Advertising and spent a few years working in Waco in the 1980’s. Her career includes experience in the advertising agency business, freelance photography, and crisis counseling after earning M.S. Clinical Psychology at UT-Tyler in the late 1990’s.

“Retired” at the age of 50, she has devoted the last 20+ years to volunteer service on many boards and other leadership positions including United Way, Tyler Unity Center, Equality Texas Foundation, and  Texas Democratic Party. The FIRST LGBTQIA+ couple married in Smith County in 2015, Karen and her wife Jolie spend their free time traveling, grandmothering, and enjoying life with two ornery cats.

Lexi is the acting youth activities coordinator. She is a parent, as well as an active member of the local queer community. Lexi has a passion for helping others and leaving joy in her wake. Lexi is characterized by creativity, intelligence, and a sunny disposition, and has received rave reviews from kids and parents alike that are involved with Alphabet Army. With a bevy of creative and social skills she is an asset to our organization ensuring the youth in our community will be enriched, entertained, and have a sense of belonging.