Karla Bernard was born and raised with strong rural roots in Sherbrooke, Prince Edward Island. She graduated from Holland College with a Certificate in Business Administration in 1997 then from U.P.E.I. with her Bachelor of Education degree in 2005 (focus on Indigenous Studies, French and history). Karla now resides in Charlottetown with her husband Ryan, 2 young children, Gracie and Hunter and their dog Xena. She has been an educator and most recently a counsellor with the Public Schools Branch for 15 years.
She has had ongoing involvement on various school and community committees promoting healthy, safe spaces and advocating for services and the social determinants of health. She is passionate about sustainable ideas, and fostering environments that nurture happy, critical thinking citizens. Throughout her work, she has consistently played a role in the arts and theatre, taking advantage of these opportunities whenever possible often creating said opportunities herself.
In May 2015, Karla graduated with her Masters in Education in Counselling. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and a member of the PEICA (PEI Counselling Association). Karla is a motivated, professional, lifelong learner with a passion for creating a healthy future for our children and future generations to come.
Elected to represent District 12, Charlottetown-Victoria Park in 2019 and 2023, Karla was the opposition critic for Social Development and Housing, and Status of Women.