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.
A graduate of the International School of Brussels, Karen has spent the last 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. Karen has partnered with over 85 schools in their Head of School and senior administrator searches, both domestically and internationally. She is passionate about advocating for girls and women and has presented several workshops on promoting women’s leadership opportunities at conferences sponsored by NCGS, EARCOS, NAIS, and the CS&A Women’s Institute. She recently completed her Executive Coaching Certification with Columbia University and has the certifications to use several assessment tools with candidates including the IDI and Hogan.
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.