EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Karen Hartnett

In April, Karen Hartnett celebrated her two-year anniversary with Golden Academy Elementary as the Student Services Support Coach and Communities in Schools Site Coordinator. Her role involves the implementation of the “Communities in Schools” model for integrating student services to reduce non-academic barriers for student success. She also works diligently to connect families with resources in the community, such as mental health services, programs like Girls Inc., and Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana.  

Karen’s passion to go above and beyond for her students is what makes her so special to the Decatur Township community. Instead of calling it a day at 4:30 p.m., she finds herself meeting with parents on her way home after school – not only during the summer but on weekends too. To Karen, it doesn’t matter if it’s 9 a.m. or 9 p.m.; the important thing is that people receive the assistance they need as soon as possible.

Karen lives by the philosophy that students need a caring environment and compassionate staff that motivate children to do their best with academics, behavior, and citizenship. She knows that the values she helps instill today will help students become valued members of the community now and in adulthood. That mentality is part of what makes her an amazing asset to our district.

Karen feels truly blessed to be part of the Gold Academy family and community and appreciates the opportunity to work within a district that values building and fostering relationships.