Karen Wathan
Karen Wathan is Executive Headteacher of The Federation of St. Mary’s and St. Illtyd’s Catholic Primary Schools in Merthyr Tydfil. Karen has a wealth of experience as an NPQH Assessor, mentor on the Church School Leadership Programme and facilitator on the Aspiring Headteacher Programme. She is also a representative on several key groups such as Local Authority Headteacher Federation Group, and Archdiocese Schools’ Commission.
As an Associate Karen has contributed to cohort 2’s commission report, endorsement panels and has facilitated learning experiences for cohort 3. She has enjoyed being part of a professional and skilled group of Associates and representing the Leadership Academy at seminars, conferences and on international visits.
Karen would like to continue to develop personally and professionally as a system leader, with further opportunities to develop research informed practice. She is an advocate for the Leadership Academy and would like to see the organisation continue to be established and respected as a leading international organisation, supporting the growth of system leadership, and acting as a pioneer for change.
Karen loves walking, in both the coast and country, especially around the Pembrokeshire coastal path and in the Brecon Beacons. She is married with triplet boys and has a whippet called Pippa. Karen is an active member of her parish and school faith community and loves visiting places of worship when on holiday. A special moment of 2018 was attending mass at La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona.
