Karen Mahar, PhD is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Global Bodyweight Training and Animal Flow, overseeing the business operations while Mike is out developing awesome fitness programs. Dr. Mahar’s pathway to GBT has included education and experience in a wide range of fields, each of which has contributed something valuable to being a part of the GBT adventure.

She attained a Bachelors degree in film production from the University of Miami, and GBT’s exercise video library was actually born when she and Mike began making video tutorials for fun more than 12 years ago. She also has a Doctoral degree (and a Masters Degree) in Comparative Sociology, being a true data-geek who loves using research to build great programs. As a social scientist, she’s a big believer in developing evidence-based programs that respond to real-world needs, and in making sure the global Animal Flow program can be adapted to local levels.

Dr. Mahar’s first job out of college was working for a nonprofit organization in Miami addressing homelessness (Camillus House). During 20 years with the organization, Karen rose to become its VP of Strategy Management, and then CEO of its Institute of Homelessness Studies. While working for a fitness company and a homelessness organization might sound like disparate occupations, they are actually quite similar – Karen gets to use her passion and skills to create programs that make people’s lives better.

Dr. Mahar is passionate about fitness and the outdoors. An avid skier and hiker, you can find her all over the Colorado slopes in the winter and up and down the trails in the summer. She was a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). And, of course, she practices lots of Animal Flow!