Caren moved to Benton City in 1995. Was a graphic designer for a local print shop and design company. Soon after she owned and operated her own cherry orchard in Benton City. In 2007 she joined Q.I.S.I / Applus RTD as an Office Admin Specialist located at WTP Project Site, Hanford, WA, before coming to the Fire District in 2014. 

Previously known as the "Soccer Lady", Caren has been supporting youth athletics in Benton City for over 20 years. She has coached Micro Mini Soccer, Tee-Ball, 6th Grade Boys Basketball, and U11-U12 Girls Soccer. She has also participated on the Benton City Youth Soccer Board, the Benton City Youth Baseball Board, as well as, the Benton City Chamber of Commerce Board and supported local community events. 

She graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in 1991 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995. She is certified for the FEMA Incident Business Management team. 

She has three children. 

Son: Darrel (Ki-Be Class of 2016) a graduate from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and a Minor in Mathematics.

Daughter: Madison (Ki-Be Class of 2018) a graduate of New England College, in New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education Studies and was a NCAA DIII soccer player. Currently studying for her Masters in Leeds, England, UK and playing soccer. 

Daughter: Catie (Ki-Be Class of 2020) is studying at New England College, New Hampshire and a NCAA DIII soccer player for the Pilgrims. She graduated from New England College in 2024 with an Associate of Arts degree (AA) in Social Science, a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) in Sports and Recreational Management and a Minor in Coaching. Currently she is studying for her Masters at the University of Stirling in Stirling, Scotland, UK and will be playing soccer.