Karen Lithgow qualified as a Veterinary Nurse through the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the UK in 1995. Originally from Ireland, her international career includes extensive experience in treating critically ill animals alongside specialist veterinarians worldwide. In New Zealand, she taught Veterinary Nursing at Massey University’s Veterinary School and, as Head Nurse at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, played a key role in training future veterinary professionals.

In 2023, Karen enrolled in LCAO, discovering the "missing link" for her nursing toolbox. Graduating in early 2025, she added osteopathy to her skill set and her practice. Her commitment to animals and their owners is evident in her thriving osteopathic business, which collaborates with local veterinarians in Whanganui.

In addition to managing her work as a therapist, Karen runs Online Study Groups and oversees the LCAO Alumni Facebook page. In 2025, she started on her path to becoming a masterclass instructor by assisting Stuart MvGregor during MC2205 in New Zealand last September.

Karen's Insights as a Masterclass Aspirant Instructor

"As a member of the teaching team, I genuinely love seeing the growth of our students – the change from their first day to the final one is truly extraordinary. Together, we tackle the daily challenges that arise, including assessing and treating a wide variety of case studies and addressing students' questions. Guiding each participant to discover confidence in their treatment techniques is incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, every masterclass serves as the beginning of lasting friendships with colleagues worldwide, all brought together by our mutual passion for osteopathy and animals."