Karen Dawn Theriot

Karen was born in Rock Island, Illinois and graduated high school from Battle Creek Academy in Battle Creek, Michigan. She graduated from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan where she met her husband Roy, ""Perry"". She attended medical school at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California, graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana and received additional medical certifications from the University of Colorado in Denver, Colorado for Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation through the School of Medicine; and Epidemiology, Statistics, and Research through the School of Public Health. She completed a residency at Saint Joseph Hospital and a fellowship program in neurotrauma at Craig Hospital. She was board certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1986 and through the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1990.

She started her private practice in 1993 focusing on Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, while she concurrently worked as Medical Director for the Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility at the Rocky Mountain MS Center at Swedish Medical Center from 1993 - 1999. She was Associate Medical Director and Medical Director at Spalding West Rehab Center from 1990 - 2002, Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation from 1999-2013, Rehabilitation Director for the Multi-trauma Unit at Swedish Hospital from 2006-2011, as well as Medical Director for Learning Services Neuro-Behavioral Institute West from 2008-2011. She worked on the forefront of Multiple Sclerosis care, treatment and research as the Medical Programs Coordinator at the Jimmie Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis from 1991 - 2010. Also in 1991, she began working at the Colorado Neurological Institute, where she helped to develop programs for treatment of Acquired Brain Injury, including stroke, and Spasticity Clinic, MS Clinic, ALS clinic, as well as other clinics to coordinate assessment for durable medical equipment and neurological patient populations. She was published in multiple medical journals and gave lectures at various medical conferences over the years based on her expertise. She was experienced in alternative methods for pain management and received additional certifications for acupuncture as well as other novel methods for treating pain in patients with brain tumors, stroke, and neuro-traumatic disorders.

Karen was an excellent cook, enjoyed running and training for the Bolder Boulder, gardening and tending to her beautiful rose garden in the foothills. Her hospitality was unmatched, welcoming many family and friends into her meticulously kept home over the years. She was incredibly devoted to her family, and always put her children first no matter how distant the geographical separation. She was an amazing grandmother, filling up her free moments spending time with her granddaughter Avalyn.

Karen is survived by her husband Roy Theriot, her daughter Alison See, husband Scott See, their daughter Avalyn, and her daughter Lyndsey Theriot, husband Aaron Cleveland. She is also survived by her mother Delphine Overfield, brother Michael Overfield, and sister Suzan Page. She is preceded in death by her father David Overfield and sister Tami Szafranowski.

Should you desire to make an expression of sympathy in honor of Karen's amazing legacy and values, memorial contributions may be made to the Craig Hospital Foundation, Rocky Mountain MS Society or to her granddaughter's college education fund.