From the Head of School:
Dear Mount Madonna School community members,
I am delighted to share the wonderful news that Karla Bell has accepted the position of Upper School Director at Mount Madonna School. Currently, Karla serves as the Director of the Middle School at Chartwell. Karla brings a deep passion for education, a strong commitment to student growth, extensive experience supporting neurodiverse students, and a collaborative spirit.
Karla is enthusiastic about joining the Mount Madonna School team and building on the thoughtful leadership and meaningful contributions that Shannon Kelly has brought to the Upper School. Karla looks forward to collaborating with each of you to thoughtfully support the school’s academic programs, nurture student growth and well-being, and help foster a vibrant and connected learning community.
Warm regards,
Ann Goewert, Ph.D.
Head of School
From Karla Bell:
Dear Mount Madonna School community members,
I’m excited to be joining the Mount Madonna community as Upper School Director and beginning this new chapter with such a great group of educators, students, and families. I’ve spent many years in both classroom and leadership roles, and I’m drawn to schools that focus on connection, intentionality, purpose, and a genuine love of learning. From everything I’ve seen so far, Mount Madonna is exactly that kind of place.
I started my career as a high school math teacher, and I’ve always found joy in helping students grow in confidence, think deeply, and experience those “aha” moments that make learning so rewarding. Over the years, I’ve taken on roles as a program coordinator and school director, working closely with teachers, shaping curriculum, and building systems that help schools feel both organized and welcoming. In this new role, I’m especially looking forward to working with middle and high school students. These years are full of big changes and big questions, and it’s such a meaningful time to build strong relationships and support young people as they figure out who they are and what matters to them.
Outside of work, I’m a mom of four, and watching my kids grow into themselves has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It’s also deepened my belief in the importance of providing education that nurtures not just academics, but also kindness, curiosity, and resilience. When I’m off the clock, you’ll likely find me reading a book, doing a puzzle, building a Lego set, or playing trivia with friends at our weekly get-together.
Thank you for the warm welcome. I look forward to getting to know each of you and becoming part of this caring and connected school community.
Warmly,
Karla Bell
