Dr. Karen Purcell is a physician who has literally "healed herself". Originally pursuing a career in opera, Karen received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music degree (magna cum laude) from the New England Conservatory of Music. After further graduate study at The Juilliard School, she performed major operatic roles in New York, Santa Fe, Salzburg (Austria), Palm Beach (Florida) Düsseldorf (Germany), Miami, and other famous theaters worldwide.
However, persistent health problems derailed a world-class operatic career. She began teaching. First she taught college students at the University of Miami in Florida, and at New York University. Then she taught first grade through high school at the United Nations International School in New York City. While teaching, she observed the eating habits and behaviors of children of all ages.
After a string of mainstream doctors failed to help her, Karen began investigating nutrition and natural medicine to restore her health. She uncovered a vast body of knowledge which she adopted, and which steadily improved her health and energy. Karen began sharing her knowledge and earning credentials in various natural health-related disciplines. In 1990 she obtained certification as a Master Herbalist, and she earned her Doctor of Naturopathy degree in 1993. She became a licensed Clinical Nutritionist in 1996, and a board certified Naturopathic Physician in 1997.
In her clinical practice in New York City, and in her numerous speaking, radio and television appearances, Dr. Karen Purcell has assisted many children with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, including her own son. She has successfully applied bio-medical and nutritional approaches to these and to more serious conditions, like ADD/ADHD (attention deficit/ attention deficit hyperactive disorder), PDD (pervasive developmental delay), tic disorder, and autism. In 1999, in honor of her son, she and her husband founded the WINS Foundation (We're Important, NOT Stupid), which is dedicated to bringing information about effective, bio-medical, drug-free solutions for learning disabilities and moderate to severe brain disorders to the attention of our nation's public.
Today, Dr. Purcell continues her singing and speaking careers and has a successful natural health practice in New York City. Her exquisite singing and her pursuit of good health have blossomed into complementary careers, bringing the world beautiful music and optimum health.
Member of:
Who's Who in America • Who's Who in Medicine and Health Care
Who’s Who in the World
Dictionary of International Biography (Cambridge, England)
Voted International Woman of the Year by the International Biographical Centre (Cambridge, England)
International Assn. of Counselors & Therapists
American Naturopathic Medical Assn. • American Guild of Musical Artists
National Speakers Assn. • International & American Assn. of Clinical Nutritionists
Karen Purcell, M.M., N.D., C.N. 212.580.3051 www.divadoc.com www.winsfoundation.org