Welcome to our New Staff
Karen Leigh, Freelance Writer
Karen Leigh is not new to Colorado, but recently moved to Castle Pines. If she looks familiar, it’s because she works evenings as the main anchor for CBS4. She is a graduate of Arkansas State University with a B.S. degree, and it was the job opportunity that brought her to Colorado in 2008. She met her husband Jim – a rare Colorado native – and they now enjoy life with their 12-year-old daughter, Elle and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Eze. Karen and her family fell in love with the pine trees, the wildlife and the amazing community of 80108. Karen is drawn to numerous nonprofits, loves to golf and garden, and is grounded by her faith and church family. Read more about Karen in her Neighbors to Know feature on page 21.
Karen Palm, Proofreader
Karen Palm moved to Colorado with her husband Rick from Toledo, Ohio in 1996. They have two grown children and four grandchildren. Karen and her husband first lived in Parker before moving to Castle Pines in 2007. While in Toledo, Karen received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Toledo and a master’s degree in reading from the same university. Now that Karen and Rick are retired (and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary), they spend their time enjoying each other’s company, the blessings of grandchildren, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and reading.
ViVi Somphon, Freelance Writer
ViVi Somphon is a new transplant to Castle Pines from Scottsdale, Arizona. As a graduate from Arizona State University with a degree in political science and justice studies, ViVi’s professional experience is extensive in corporate law, real estate development, management consulting, marketing and business development. She believes we can all be inspired and inspiring, actively volunteering with local organizations that focus on women, children and military veterans. When she is not collecting stamps on her passport, ViVi is either exploring the beauty of Colorado as the world’s “okayest” hiker or having long romantic walks with her putter on the golf course. You also can find her kicking weights in the gym and capturing pixels of delish carbs at eateries and coffee shops.
