Karen Catoe, MS, CCLS, is the Quality Improvement Program Coordinator for the Center for Advancing Pediatric Excellence (CAPE). She joined the Child Life Department at Carolinas Medical Center in April, 2004 as a specialist in the Levine Children's Specialty Center where she worked with a variety of pediatric sub-specialties. Observing healthcare design and processes and working intimately within the realm of pediatric chronic care in the Specialty Center increased her knowledge of healthcare systems and instilled in her a passion for quality improvement in pediatrics.

Karen is an active member of the Pediatric Transition Care Initiative and is affiliated with the Institute for Healthcare Improvements and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions. These associations have affirmed her commitment to further understand and embrace the various levels of Quality Initiatives and to contribute to the Center for Advancing Pediatric Excellence with enthusiasm and dedication.

Karen received a Bachelors of Science in Child and Family Studies from Western Carolina University and her Masters of Science in Child Development and Family Relations with a focus on Child Life in the Healthcare System from East Carolina University. She maintains her certification in Child Life.