by Samantha Wolfe
Karen Lynch is a long-standing massage therapist for the Hockessin Athletic Club, having been hired in the summer of 2010. She loves the HAC culture and its members and appreciates the flexibility and kindness of its staff.
Karen found that disconnecting from external stressors – not just for her clients but for herself – was key to fostering a healing environment.
Karen had always had an interest in working in the healing arts, but was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mother for many years. From 2004-2005, Karen pursued a career in massage therapy at the National Massage Therapy Institute (NMTI). Her commitment to helping others became clear as she embraced a career that allowed her to support individuals’ physical and mental well-being, tailoring her work to meet each client’s unique needs. Her work as a massage therapist became a source of personal fulfillment. Karen found that disconnecting from external stressors – not just for her clients but for herself – was key to fostering a healing environment. She developed a deep understanding of how the physical and mental well-being of a person were inextricably linked, and she approaches her clients with a level of care and empathy that stemmed from her own experiences of overcoming life’s challenges.
In 2007, Karen met Tripp, a man who would become an integral part of her journey. Tripp, who worked at the University of Delaware, was granted a sabbatical in August 2018, marking the start of a life-changing adventure for them both. They decided to spend six months in Stockholm, Sweden, where Tripp would collaborate with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). This international experience marked the beginning of a whirlwind travel schedule that would take them across Europe and beyond. And Stockholm wasn’t their only destination. Karen and Tripp took full advantage of their time in Europe. Their travels included visiting Germany for Oktoberfest, exploring Belgium in November, and embarking on an overnight cruise to Finland in December. In Finland, they toured museums, explored castles, and even took a cold plunge in the Baltic Sea – a refreshing yet exhilarating experience. Christmas was celebrated in Stockholm, where they skated on a frozen river for miles in the unforgettable Swedish winter landscape before traveling north to the city of Falun. There, they explored a traditional wooden horse factory, skied in the snow-covered wilderness, and even ventured further north for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In January, their travels took them to Switzerland, where they explored historic cathedrals, enjoyed traditional cheese fondue, and participated in an outdoor adventure tour that included sledding and a gondola ride up to 5,000 feet above sea level. The breathtaking views and adrenaline-filled activities were a fitting culmination to a year of incredible exploration.
In February 2019, Karen and Tripp relocated to Portland, Oregon, where Tripp continued his work with Portland State University. This move marked Karen’s first time living in the western U.S., and it proved to be another exciting chapter in their journey. They had family visit multiple times, and Karen quickly fell in love with the vibrant city. During their time in Portland, they indulged in some of the region’s best-known offerings – visiting iconic donut shops like Voodoo Donuts, sampling craft beers at the city’s renowned breweries, and embarking on thrilling white-water adventures. Karen also had the chance to explore the natural beauty of the region, hiking through the redwood forests of Northern California and visiting Mount Washington and various national forests. Living in Portland was an eye-opening experience for Karen, who found herself constantly amazed by the beauty of the landscapes and the diversity of outdoor activities available.
Karen’s adventurous and gentle spirit has not only fueled her personal journeys but also defines her approach to massage therapy. Whether exploring new horizons or creating a peaceful, healing environment for her clients, Karen brings the same openness and dedication to everything she does. Her experiences have deepened her understanding of connection—whether to a new place or to the individuals she serves—and this perspective enriches her work at HAC. For Karen, massage therapy is more than a profession; it’s a way to share the care and empathy that life’s adventures have instilled in her, making a lasting difference in the lives of those she touches.
