Karen Barberie is the heart and soul of our Pharmacy Technician program at Eastern College. Since joining our team in 2013, she has made an incredible impact on both students and colleagues alike. With 37 years of experience as a pharmacist, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge, hands-on expertise, and an undeniable passion for teaching. She holds a Pharmacy degree from Dalhousie University, and for the past 12 years, she has been shaping the next generation of Pharmacy Technicians in Nova Scotia.

Karen’s influence in the field goes well beyond the classroom. She oversees the Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) program for the province of Nova Scotia, ensuring students gain the experience needed to succeed. She also serves as Nova Scotia’s representative on the Canadian Pharmacy Technician Educators Association and as the Private Career Colleges Representative on the Pharmacy Technician Programs Committee of the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP). She is a tireless advocate for high-quality education and has played a key role in advancing pharmacy technician training across Canada.

Her hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, she was named Instructor of the Year, and in 2024, she received the Passion of Excellence Award for her outstanding contributions. She was also the driving force behind Eastern College’s online Pharmacy Technician Bridging Program, a program that has allowed Pharmacy Assistants across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Manitoba to upgrade their skills and become Registered Pharmacy Technicians without leaving their home pharmacies. Thanks to her vision, this program has helped meet the growing healthcare needs across the country.

But Karen’s impact doesn’t stop at work, she is a true pillar of her community. She and her husband have raised two incredible sons, and she has opened her home as a billet mom for players in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Whether she’s mentoring students, supporting young athletes, or spending time with her beloved puppy, Selke, Karen puts her heart into everything she does.

We are beyond grateful to have Karen Barberie as part of our Halifax team. Her kindness, expertise, and unwavering dedication make her an inspiration to everyone around her.