The University of Toledo

Karen McConnell

The House That Karen Built

After years of working with children who have been abused, I needed to talk about what works rather than how to fix what is wrong. I wanted to look at "thrivers" rather than survivors. Why do some people overcome adversity and become stronger; while other people cannot cope?

From this introspection came THE HOUSE THAT KAREN BUILT, a true story of sexual abuse and resiliency, published by Barricade Books. It lends voice to those who haven't talked about their abuse and it offers seven principles for overcoming diversity applicable to any adverse circumstances.

I chose to buy a brick in the Eberly Center's Legacy Courtyard, inscribing it with the words, THE HOUSE THAT KAREN BUILT, because the Eberly Center for Women is a safe place for women to heal, build resiliency, and thrive.