Karen Whitaker

Karen Whitaker began her career teaching in Bay Area public schools before joining The Branson School, where she  wore many hats, including English Teacher, Freshman Dean,  Director of Studies, Academic Dean and Assistant Head of School for Academics. Mentoring teachers and aspiring leaders energized Karen’s work at Branson, and she’s continued to help others realize their leadership potential in her current role as a search consultant with Carney, Sandoe & Associates. Karen participated in many CATDC programs throughout her administrative career and has loved the opportunity to return to the CATDC family as a facilitator, where she supports teachers and administrators to clarify their values and goals and make connections across school communities. Karen recently completed two terms as a Trustee at Marin Primary & Middle School in Larkspur. She has presented on women in leadership at NAIS annual conferences, The National Coalition of Girls’ Schools conference, and the Carney, Sandoe Women’s Institute. Karen earned her BA from Stanford, her California Teaching Credential from University of California, Berkeley, and her MA through the Klingenstein Program at Columbia. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, bird watching, hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.