Kara Russell was born and raised in Redding, CA and she left the area for college graduating with a Bachelors in Social Work from California State University, Chico in 1994 and with a Masters in Social Worker from California State University, Sacramento in 1998. Kara went on to further her education and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2009.

She worked in the Foster Care system, as well as with at-risk families as both a Social Worker and a Therapist in the Sacramento area. Kara returned to Redding to live closer to her Family and currently resides with her husband and two teenagers.  Upon her return to Redding she worked initially as a Therapist with at-risk and Runaway Teens, and then was employed with Mercy Medical Center in an Outpatient Maternity Clinic for 17 years.

Kara joined Redding Rancheria Tribal Health System as the Behavioral Health Director and a Licensed Therapist in August 2017. Kara feels beyond blessed to work for the Redding Rancheria and whole heartedly stands by the Guiding Values for the workplace, as well as thoroughly enjoys being a part of a great team to provide patient care.