Karen Neitzel Ed.D  is a Senior Consultant for the firm’s Head of School, Key Administrator, International Schools, and Catholic Schools Practices. She also works in our Consulting Group as a Curriculum and Technology Consultant and as an Executive Coach in our Coaching Practice.

Karen joined CS&A in 2018 and has partnered with over 100 schools on key administrator and head of school searches. She has also partnered with schools around the world as a consultant and  has made numerous academic presentations at organizations including EARCOS, NAIS, NCGS, CAIS,  NACAC, and the CS&A Women’s Institute.

Karen brings a unique combination of technology and senior K-12 leadership expertise to the Search & Consulting Group. A graduate of the International School of Brussels, Karen spent thirty years working in independent and public schools in California, Oregon, and Hawaii. Prior to joining CSA in 2018, she was the Assistant Head of School at The Archer School for Girls in Los Angeles and the Associate Head of School at ‘Iolani School on Oahu. She completed her Executive Coaching Certification with Columbia University and has the certifications to use several assessment tools with candidates including the IDI and Hogan. Karen attended the University of California where she earned a  B.A. in political science. She then went on to pursue graduate education at California State University, Dominguez Hills where she earned a M.A. in education; and following that, the University of California, Irvine/Los Angeles with an Ed.D. in educational leadership. Her dissertation focus was on “Latina College Persistence.”

Karen enjoys cycling, paddle boarding, skiing, and travel. Her volunteer work includes Rotary, United Way, and the Special Olympics.