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Head of School Dr. Karen C. Lassey

Dr. Karen C. Lassey is the 18th head of school at Emma Willard School. Karen brings with her exceptional experience, innovative approaches to curriculum and leadership, and a deep commitment to the transformative power of girls’ education.

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A woman with short, curly hair and glasses speaks into a microphone at a podium, with a red banner featuring the Emma Willard School logo in the background.
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David Belzer, Bob Carroll, Dr. Lassey, and Anna Beha receive AIA award for Wallace Center

David Belzer, Bob Carroll, Dr. Lassey, and Anna Beha receive AIA award for Wallace Center

Before coming to Mount Ida, Dr. Karen C. Lassey served as assistant principal at Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, where she worked for more than two decades. In her role at Exeter, Dr. Lassey led strategic efforts to promote student thriving (academically, physically, socially, and emotionally), foster inclusion and belonging in the community, enhance environmental sustainability in policy and practice, and launch a center for teaching and learning. She was previously an instructor in science and mathematics and the dean of academic affairs.

Prior to her career as an educator, Dr. Lassey served in the United States Army as an engineer and commissioned officer, earning the rank of captain and leading armed forces in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Operation Rescue Hope in Somalia. She also taught and developed curriculum for the US Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Dr. Lassey earned a doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Amherst College and a Master of Science in Teaching in Mathematics from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Lassey has three adult children—Matthew, Sean, and Bridget—and is joined on Mount Ida by her beloved golden-doodle Darcy and cat Seven.

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