Karen Custer, PTA is the Founding Director of StART (Stroke Active Recovery Therapy), an intensive therapeutic and recovery program for stroke and neuro injury survivors.
Over the last 5 years, Karen has worked with over 100 survivors of stroke and neurological injuries, helping them to recover their physical and daily activities and to have a fulfilling life. She created a program that integrates intense physical therapy with social and cognitive skills that has enabled survivors to go from wheelchair bound to skiing or driving cars.
Karen has more than twenty years in the fitness and wellness industry. She has served in all aspects from training to rehabilitation. Previously she was the Program Director for one of the nations largest Rehabilitation Services and Stroke Day Program for Easter Seals of Colorado. Additionally she worked as a Physical Therapist Assistant in outpatient rehab, treating patients with neurological and orthopedic diagnoses, utilizing various manual approaches.
Karen has served as a Personal Trainer, for hundreds of clients, supervising the wellness/fitness department, and helping implement new trends in fitness for the Town of Castle Rock. She attended Metro State University where she studied Recreational Therapy and has a PTA degree from Arapahoe Community College. She has been an ACE certified personal trainer since 1997 and a certified PACE, Spin and Silver Sneakers instructor. She has been a guest speaker at conferences presenting on wellness and stroke awareness. She enjoys hiking and camping, and has 2 adult children. Recently has become a volunteer for the Autism Society of Colorado.