Licensed In MD, PA, VA, WV, DC, OH

3 Decades of Experience

 

(301) 790-3304

Meet our team!

Geoff Karlen

President

I graduated from WVU with an accounting degree. In 1992 I moved to Hagerstown and established the Geoffrey Karlen Agency, Inc.   I am actively engaged in the insurance and financial service industries as well the communities we serve.
Meeting new people and learning about their business and individual insurance needs is what excites be about this business.
On a more personal note, I enjoy tennis, skiing, travel and watching all sports. On weekends, you find me exercising, spending time with friends and family as well as working in my garden.
(301) 790-3304

James Van Kirk

Operations Manager

I grew up in College Park Maryland and studied at Montgomery College.
I have been in the insurance industry for 5 years and enjoy meeting new people to review their insurance needs. Being able to provide expert coverage analysis to protect someone’s most prized assets is a joy.

I love spending time with my wife and daughter and are huge foodies! We love cooking and trying new cuisines, along with going to the local minor league baseball games.
There are great local hiking trails here in Western Maryland.

(301) 790-3304

Barbara S. Gammeter

Associate Agent

I grew up on a dairy farm in Frederick County, Maryland. In addition to driving tractors and baling hay, I took piano, art, and ballet classes during my early years!
I’ve had strong personal lines experience for over 40 years both in a corporate office as an insurance underwriter and as an associate agent in an agency.
Having worked many years in the agency, it’s been fun seeing our client’s kids grow up and now have families of their own! The long-term clients and their trust are greatly appreciated.
A fun fact about me is that I have always loved doing embroidery for the quiet, creative, contemplative nature of this craft, and almost every September I enter vegetables from my garden in our county fair–and have won some nice ribbons over the years.
When I’m not working during the Spring/Summer, you can find me out-and-about with my husband and our dog, Jesse, and snug at home during the Fall/Winter.

(301) 698-1686

Kristen Barneski

Associate Agent/Customer Service

I grew up in Mt. Airy and New Market, my childhood was in the Country, with my very large family living close by, making for lots of time together. Memories I will forever cherish.
I have 10 years of experience as a Customer Service Representative in the Insurance Industry, which led me to a career as an Insurance Agent with Karlen & Associates. I love that I have the ability to help others, along with expanding my knowledge and relationships. An exciting quality in my new role as an Insurance Agent.
I enjoy family time, adventures, relaxing,..Oh! and a CLEAN HOUSE…which rarely happens with a toddler running around, although I can’t complain; that boy is my whole world.
Guilty pleasure- Karaoke! Obnoxious I know, but so fun. On my days off, some of my favorite activities are family days at the creek riding four-wheelers, girls weekends, and I LOVE the beach!

(301) 831-0223

Michelle Jones

Associate Agent/Customer Service

I grew up in Hagerstown, Md.
I got into selling insurance in 2014. I enjoy building a strong relationship with our policyholders.
Something that I really enjoy personally is spending as much time as we can with our family, especially since our two boys are grown now.
On weekends my husband and I enjoy spending time with our grandson and experiencing firsts again through his eyes!

(301) 739-5410

Gera Faith

Customer Service

I grew up in Hagerstown, MD.
I have had the pleasure of being a part of the industry for 27 years, of which the last four have been with Karlen & Associates Insurance Services.
I enjoy being able to help customers and assist them with their insurance needs.
Personally, I really enjoy anytime I can spend with my family and extended family. Fun fact about me: I enjoy all things Disney!
If I am not working I am with my husband, Rodney, and my two boys, William and Joseph on some sort of crazy adventure! We are either catching the latest movie, exploring a museum, on a geocaching journey, a beach-bound road trip, or traveling to Disney World!

(301) 790-3304

Charles Toms

Vice President of Sales

I Grew up in Smithsburg, MD

I have been in insurance for 30+ years. What I most enjoy about my job is helping our policyholders protect their most valuable assets.

Some fun facts about me: I enjoy traveling with my family. I also enjoy fishing, hunting, and relaxing in the outdoors.

When I’m not in the office, you can find me at the softball field, where I am a Head Coach!

(301) 739-5410

Timothy Minnich

I spent most of my life in Carroll County Maryland.
I have 32 years of experience in the insurance industry, and what I enjoy the most about my job is explaining to my clients about the need for adequate insurance coverage.
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hunting, camping, and riding my Harley.

(301) 334-1040

Debora Harker

Vice President of Sales

For the first 17 years of my life, I lived in 5 States. So, after marrying and getting ready to start a family, I wanted to move and stay in one place for my children’s school life. We moved to MD and have lived here since 1985. I graduated from Bowling Green State University, with a BA in Human Resource Management.
I have been in the insurance business either working for my dad, myself, or with Geoff, since 1985. Something I love about working in this field is putting the puzzle together of what coverages and policies fit my commercial and life clients the best.
My “Happy Places” are the Outer Banks or Disneyworld with friends or family and I can’t stop talking about and showing pictures of my grandkids.
Fun fact: I am Disney Nerd and enjoy planning trips for family and friends, or hanging outside at a winery, sipping some wine.

(301) 831-0223

Darrell Karlen

Vice President of Sales

I grew up in Buckhannon, WV. BS degree Fairmont College 30 years + experience in Personal, Commercial, and Life insurance. The thing that excites me the most about my job is to satisfy the insurance protection needs of our clients.
A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy playing tennis and outdoor activities!

(301) 698-1686

Jim Barger

Vice President of Sales

I graduated from Linganore High School and got my degree at Mt St Mary’s University.
I have worked in the insurance industry for over 30 years and I enjoy helping our clients in the local community.
Something I love to do is hang out with my 5 kids in Ocean City, MD!

(301) 662-0210

Mary Pat Wright

Associate Agent

I grew up in Silver Spring, MD/Wheaton, MD area, and moved to Frederick County in 1990.
I have been in the Insurance Industry since January 1996 and have my Property & Casualty license. I like helping people save money on their insurance needs and make sure they have sufficient coverage to protect themselves and develop a business relationship with them while earning their trust.
I am passionate about photography and music! When I can, my camera and I go out and take pictures of nature, specifically flowers, scenery, and butterflies.
When I am not working, I am spending time with my husband and adult daughter. My husband plays bass in a local band and I go to all of his shows and help run sound and take pictures of the band and crowd enjoying the music. On the rare weekends he is not playing, we go see a friend’s band or find a new band to check out; I love to support local music and in turn support local bars/restaurants/venues.
I love to bake bread and sweets, just can’t beat the smell of fresh bread or cookies!
Something I love to do is travel and hope to do more of it in the near future.
Volunteering is very important for me; this year I helped raise $1500 for the Charles Town Fire Department in memory of a friend that passed away in January Also, every year the band my husband is in does a benefit for the MD Herion Addiction Awareness and other charities and I help them out and during Covid-19, we helped do some renovations to a restaurant/bar that we are friends with the owner to get them ready for the re-opening of their restaurant.”

(301) 662-0210

Maritza Campos-Machado

Associate Agent

I grew up in Montgomery County and moved to Frederick County during my teenage years, where I graduated at Frederick High School.

I started my insurance career in 2014 and what I most love about my job is helping out our clients and new members with their insurance needs; making sure they are protected properly. That is my top priority!

Some fun facts about me: I enjoy spending time with my family plus my doggie (Scooby). I love to travel and visit new places, especially the beaches.

I am a proud Latina who helps the Hispanic community!

(240) 475-7571

Ken Schugardt

Associate Agent

I grew up in Conyngham, PA, and went to the Pennsylvania State University for my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology.

I am new to insurance and just passed my state licensing certification exam. I will be learning under Mr. Karlen and the rest of his experienced team.

I feel like many people dislike having to set up their insurance, but I enjoy making it an easy and stress-free process to change their opinions.

My personal interests lie very much in Sports and exploring the outdoors in a wide variety of activities like hiking, biking, and fishing. I am a huge foodie and minor beer enthusiast, always looking for the next best thing to try.

I spent much of my college time involved in THON to raise money towards pediatric cancer research and still look to further my activity as an alumnus.

(301) 790-3304

Jenifer Hernandez

What most excites me about work is helping clients save money and finding them the best prices, and overall making the clients happy.

I grew up in Frederick county but was born in El Salvador. I came here when I was seven years old and was raised by my aunt and uncle, who I’m very thankful to have in my life; I have three siblings, two huskies, and one cat. Family is important to me; I enjoy spending time with them.

Whenever I’m not working, I spend time at home cleaning my room, doing my nails, playing with my huskies, watching movies, and overall self-care.

(301) 401-6074

Lonny Cagle

Since obtaining my license in 2004, I have developed expertise across all insurance sectors. My passion lies in fostering connections, deeply understanding client requirements, and customizing policies to perfectly align with their needs. Recognizing the complexity of insurance, I aim to serve as the primary resource for demystifying the process and facilitating a smoother experience.

Hailing from Berkeley County, WV, I cherish my moments away from work, often spent amidst nature or in the company of loved ones. My leisure activities include fishing, kayaking, and simply enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family.

(304) 754-5601

Rossy Volenick

Embarking on my journey in the insurance industry back in 2008, I’ve always been driven by a passion for connecting with people. It’s the joy of educating and assisting clients with their insurance requirements that truly fulfills me.

Originally hailing from Lima, Peru, I’ve made Frederick my home for the past two decades. My leisure time is best spent in the company of my family and friends, exploring the diverse flavors of international cuisines.

Music holds a special place in my heart, particularly singing, which led me to participate in a worship team. My linguistic skills include fluent Spanish and a good understanding of Italian and Portuguese. And I must confess, dark chocolate is my guilty pleasure!

Life is most vibrant when shared with my husband of 30 years and our wonderful daughters. From movie nights to gardening, and finding solace at the beach, I treasure every moment. The outdoors bring me closer to the beauty of creation, a testament to my spiritual connection.

Together with my husband, we are proud sponsors of three children in Uganda, cherishing the opportunity to witness their growth and development.

(301) 631-3838

Anna Somers

Associate Agent

I embarked on my journey in the insurance industry in 2002, beginning as an Independent Agent with AFLAC. A significant milestone in my career was in 2013, when I obtained my Property and Casualty (P&C) license. My foremost goal has always been to ensure client satisfaction, which is greatly facilitated by my ability to collaborate with various carriers.

Rooted deeply in West Virginia, I reside in Berkeley Springs, a place I hold dear to my heart. Family is the cornerstone of my life; I have been married to my soulmate, Lou, for 45 blissful years, a journey that has gifted us two sons. I am a proud grandmother to two exceptional grandsons, embracing the joyous title of Momaw.

My commitment to my community extends through my active involvement in my church, where I have the honor of directing the children’s ministry choir. Leisure time finds me alongside Lou, exploring Flea Markets and consignment shops, or cherishing moments with my son and grandsons. Additionally, I contribute to the Ladies Outreach at my church, a group dedicated to providing our local schools with essential supplies for after-school programs. This blend of professional dedication, family values, and community service forms the essence of my life’s work.

(304) 258-4251

(301) 790-3304

 

(301) 698-1686

 

(301) 334-1040

 

(301) 831-0223

 

(240) 422-8652

 

(304) 258-4251

 

(304) 754-5601

19756 Longmeadow Rd.
Hagerstown, MD 21742

186 Thomas Johnson Dr. Ste 100
Frederick, MD 21702

12978 Garrett Hwy.
Oakland, MD 21550

602 Center St. Ste 107
Mount Airy, MD 21771

3 Hillcrest Dr. Unit A203
Frederick, MD 21703


24 Nationwide Lane,
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

2433 Hedgesville Rd.
Martinsburg, WV 25403