Karen Neitzel
Karen 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 30 schools on key administrator and head of school searches. She has also consulted on curriculum for Soon Ching Ling School in Shanghai, and made numerous academic presentations at organizations including NAIS, NCGS, CAIS, and NACAC.
Previous Experience
Karen brings a unique combination of technology and senior K-12 leadership expertise to the Search & Consulting Group.
She joins CS&A from ‘Iolani School (HI), first serving as Dean of Studies before becoming Associate Head of School. Prior to ‘Iolani, Karen held several leadership roles in the Hood River County School District (OR), including Vice Principal and Principal. She also worked at The Archer School for Girls (CA), where she served as Assistant Head of School, Academic Dean, and Director of Technology. Additionally, she worked in various technology positions at Sinai Akiba Academy (CA) and the Redondo Beach Unified School District in California and has taught graduate school education classes for both Portland State University and National University in Los Angeles.
Education & Interests
Karen graduated from the International School of Brussels and then 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 was on “Latina College Persistence.”
She recently completed the The Columbia Coaching Certification Program at Columbia University and is passionate about supporting educators in their work with school communities.
Karen enjoys road biking, paddle boarding, skiing, and travel. Her volunteer work includes Rotary, United Way, and the Special Olympics.