Kari was born and raised in southern Oklahoma. After graduating from high school, she attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Education degree in 2003. Upon graduation, Kari moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma, where she taught first grade at Lone Grove Elementary. Her interest in politics and law grew through her advocacy for her students’ rights. After 10 years as a teacher, she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a law degree. In 2014, Kari and her family made Newcastle their home while she attended Oklahoma City University School of Law. During that time, she was a member of Oklahoma Lawyers for Children, made the Dean’s List, received the Pro Bono Service Award, and earned two CALI awards for academic excellence. She also completed internships at the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Department of Health. After passing her bar exam, she joined the Mariano Acuña & Associates team in 2017.
Kari has two daughters, Lydia and Charlie. Lydia graduated from Newcastle High School in 2024 and will be taking a gap year before attending OU in 2025. Charlotte (“Charlie”) is in eighth grade at Newcastle Middle School. She is a member of the Newcastle volleyball and cheerleading teams.
