Dr. Kari Schuh is the Director of WANIC Skill Center, with more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Schuh is known for her unwavering commitment to student success and her passion for creating engaging, real-world learning opportunities that prepare students for postsecondary careers and college.
Kari earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Washington State University in 2025. Her dissertation explores how early exposure, supportive environments, and community cultural wealth influence the STEM experiences of female students of color. Kari’s research contributes to the field of educational equity and supports her mission to create inclusive, empowering environments for all learners.
Kari also holds a Superintendent Credential, Principal Certification, Career & Technical Education (CTE) Director Certification, and both General Education and CTE Teaching Certifications. In addition to her doctorate, Kari’s academic background includes a Masters in Career and Technical Education Administration from Central Washington University, a Library Media Specialist endorsement from the University of Washington, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Washington.
Since assuming leadership of WANIC in 2020, Dr. Schuh has focused on expanding access to high-quality, hands-on CTE programs that align with industry needs and empower students to explore their interests in meaningful ways. Nine new skill center programs have been added to the WANIC offerings since her tenure began. Before this position, she served as the CTE Director for Riverview School District beginning in 2016. Her earlier roles include serving as both the Director of Special Education and Director of CTE for Orcas Island School District, as well as teaching in general education, special education, and CTE classrooms.
Kari is also actively involved in local and statewide educational leadership organizations and initiatives, where she continues to advocate for innovative, student-centered CTE programs that reflect the needs and strengths of today’s learners.  She was most recently voted in as the state President of the Washington Career and Technical Administrators Association (WACTA) where she will serve a three-year term as the leader and spokesperson for all middle and high school CTE directors.