Karen Hecker

Karen Hecker is a dedicated nurse consultant in the School Health Department at Children's Hospital Colorado, with a BSN from the University of Michigan School of Nursing and an MPH from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. As a Nationally Certified School Nurse since 2013, she focuses on addressing pediatric health disparities and the impact of social determinants on education and health access for youth. With over 30 years of experience, including 20 years in large children's hospitals and 11 years in school health, Karen currently provides nurse consultation to four childcare centers in Aurora, CO. She is actively involved in professional development for school nurses across Colorado, serving as a Regional Nurse Specialist for the Denver Metro Area through the Colorado Department of Education Health and Wellness Unit. Karen is a member of the Colorado Alliance for School Health, participates in the Healthy Schools Successful Students initiative, and advocates for student health and safety through her work with the Colorado Association of School Nurses legislative committee