Karen Rossie brings a diverse background to CTI: She majored in biology at Cleveland State University and studied dentistry at Case Western Reserve University followed by completing a Masters in pathology at Ohio State University. She taught and practiced oral pathology and oral medicine for 12 years at the University of Pittsburgh, doing research in autoimmune disease, transplantation, cancer, salivary gland disease, and diabetes. An interest in the psychological aspects of disease led her to obtain a PhD in psychology at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto where she now teaches part time in a distance learning program. She has used this diverse background to lead or contribute to CTI projects related to tobacco cessation, substance abuse treatment, anxiety, dementia care, and pain and addiction.

Dr. Rossie loves dancing and a variety of outdoor activities, being with family, and entertainment reality tv shows.