Hello. My name is Kari.

I am a passionate person who has spent the majority of my life working to bring equity and excellence to education. I am a fierce advocate for those whose life situations have posed unfair challenges. I intentionally identify the talents of others and apply a strengths-based lens toward people of all ages. I seek to help everyone thrive.

I believe that the foundation for deep learning is through building meaningful and relevant relationships. I bring an inherent philosophy of care and empathy to any situation, which allows me to work collaboratively and inclusively with others to bring positive results. 

I have helped lead many successful educational efforts in several school districts and communities and have a strong track record for using unusually creative and groundbreaking strategies to achieve positive results through collaborative, team-based means. I build system-wide support for innovations and attend to often over-looked barriers to lasting change.

Excellence in leadership, teaching and learning requires a depth of knowledge and skill that is honed over years of study and practice. I believe outstanding teaching and learning is planned, intentional, articulated, and leads to engaged classrooms and schools. As the central purpose for educational systems, great teaching and learning must be attended to at all times and should reflect ample resource allotment to this end.

Recently I have applied my specialized training for facilitating listening sessions with employees and community members helping organizations learn more about themselves and the communities they serve. This work is helping restore trust and strengthen relationships given the divisive environment that exists in so many places. I am assisting non-profit organizations (inclusive of healthcare, education, governance bodies) gain rich information and insightful feedback beyond data typically collected through surveys. This information is being used in impactful ways to guide strategic planning and set new directions.

Finally, I hold high expectations and model a belief in lifelong learning at all times. At the heart of my leadership is a warm and approachable style where others quickly feel at ease and are able to be their best. I smile and laugh frequently and I love my work.