Her career began as the founder of Whole Child International, a U.S.-based non-governmental organization that works to improve the quality of care for vulnerable children.
Karen Anne Villeneuve was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but her father's career as a National Parks administrator led to frequent relocations, resulting in her family residing in 23 homes and her attending 10 schools during her childhood.
[1] Spencer was inspired to address the emotional needs of society's most vulnerable children in 2004, after participating in a parenting class that introduced her to the attachment-based child-rearing approach of Emmi Pikler.
[8] Karen Spencer married Mark Gordon, a Hollywood producer whose films and TV series include Saving Private Ryan, Speed, Grey's Anatomy, and Criminal Minds, on November 8, 1997.
Over her 13 years at Althorp, she has overseen a comprehensive (five-year) renovation project aimed at refreshing the entire estate while preserving its historical integrity.
[13] In 2016, Karen Spencer initiated significant restoration projects to rejuvenate the estate's historic gardens — the first major transformation in 350 years.
A statement on the Althorp website described the project as "ambitious," highlighting her leadership in the extensive redesign of the Oval Lake, where Diana, Princess of Wales is laid to rest.