Karin Oelzen is a native of Waterloo, Iowa. Graduating from West High School in 1990. She attended Northeast Missouri State University, graduating in 1994 with a B. A. in Psychology. Her work history includes several summers working for Kinder Care Day Care Centers as a teacher. Most recently, Karin was employed by the Missouri Division of Family Services as a social worker and supervisor from 1994 to 2001. During this time she worked with children and families involved with the foster care system.

Karin grew up in the United Church of Christ. She was confirmed at First Congregational UCC in Waterloo, Iowa and became a member of Immanuel UCC in Ferguson in 1995. Since joining Immanuel UCC, Karin has been active as a youth group leader and member of the Board of Christian Education. As a youth leader, Karin participated in many local and national conference events. She also went with the youth group on several mission/work trips over the last seven years. Karin is currently attending the LIFE program at Eden Seminary. She became the full time Director of Christian Education in December of 2001 and looks forward to carrying on the tradition of strong programming for children and youth at Immanuel.

Karin is married to Scott, also a youth leader at Immanuel. Their families both grew up at Immanuel and they were the 3rd generation married there. Karin and Scott love traveling (with and without the youth group), Cardinals baseball, and reading.