After growing up in Seattle, Washington, Kara spent the last 15 years living in Hawai’i, where much of her family is from. While living on O’ahu, she discovered a love of the restaurant industry and embraced the “Aloha Spirit'' while working at Duke’s Waikiki for over 10 years. Taking a break from the restaurant industry in 2019, Kara worked as a contractor at the Headquarters for the Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet - right across the street from the famous Pearl Harbor Naval Base. Her role on the Commander’s Action Group and in Government Affairs broadened her skill set and ability to work with a wide range of people in an extremely different environment. 

While on O’ahu, Kara spent most of her free time with her dogs, freediving for shells in the ocean, visiting her family on the island of Kaua’i, and playing Rugby in a competitive women’s league. All of these experiences and interests gave her the skills and insight needed to smoothly manage and coordinate the many moving pieces of a successful restaurant.

In 2021, Kara made the move across the Pacific Ocean to Durango and joined the Hospitality Team at the Ore House. Kara’s love of the restaurant industry stems from a love of organization, and as Director of Hospitality, her attention to detail provides a guest experience that seamlessly embodies the passion, care, and quality the Ore House is well known for. 

Kara is committed to building relationships and sharing the magic of the Ore House with everyone around her. She is passionate about leading a team that skillfully and enthusiastically works together to create a uniquely special environment and experience that can easily be recognized as soon as you walk in the door. Kara is fiercely competitive and is strongly equipped to guide a team of people to accomplish great things together.

A longtime athlete, Kara’s time away from the Ore House is most often spent at the gym or exploring the outdoors with her three dogs. Don’t be surprised if you see her driving down the road with three happy dogs hanging their heads out of the truck window.

Kara’s favorite Ore House meal starts with a wedge salad, followed by a Delmonico ribeye, and a bottle of wine of course.