Karen Sottosanti
New Canaan,CT
Summary
Human development–focused professional with over 15 years of experience supporting students, adults, and communities in growth, transition and learning. Known for emotional intelligence, compassionate communication, and the ability to create environments that foster clarity, confidence, and direction. Skilled in coaching, advising, program coordination, and operational leadership within mission-driven settings. Passionate about contributing to organizations that uplift individuals and strengthen meaningful outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Library Page
Columbine Library
Littleton, CO
04.2023 - 08.2024
- Processed and organized incoming materials using Sierra system, ensuring efficient retrieval and access for community patrons.
- Delivered high-level customer service; guided patrons to resources and supported community engagement in learning.
- Demonstrated consistency, reliability and supportive service in a public-facing educational environment.
Career Coach
LifeSync Consulting
Birmingham, AL
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Built and managed an assessment-based coaching practice for students and adults using Highlands Ability Battery, CliftonStrengths, O
- NET Interest Profiler.
- Guided clients virtually and in person through detailed evaluations and transition planning, resulting in clearer career paths and increased confidence.
- Developed curricula and one-on-one advisory sessions focusing on self-knowledge, strengths, and next-step clarity.
Registrar
Red Mountain Community School
Birmingham, AL
09.2014 - 05.2016
- Led enrollment, records, scheduling and communication operations. Supported student recruitment and outreach efforts.
- Collaborated with faculty to support academic tracking and resource deployment, enhancing student success and institutional flow.
Life Skills Teacher & Student Advisor
Stonecreek Montessori Academy
Birmingham, AL
07.2013 - 06.2014
- Designed and taught life-skills and leadership curriculum for middle/high school students.
- Organized career-exploration field trips and invited community speakers.
- Conducted weekly advising sessions focused on academic progress, personal goals, and executive-functioning strategies.
Homeschool Teacher
Birmingham, AL
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Designed and delivered sixth grade curriculum for a student with high-functioning autism, supporting academics, executive functioning and social skills.
- Created individualized learning strategies, tracked progress and adjusted learning plans to optimize growth.
Teacher & Son-Rise Program Facilitator
Charlotte, NC
08.2005 - 07.2007
- Taught first and second grade and facilitated a 20-hour/week autism social-skills program using the Son-Rise model.
- Recruited, trained, and coordinated a team of eight volunteers; documented progress, reset development goals, and led program evaluation meetings.
English Teacher
ILERI Language Institute
Escazú, Costa Rica
01.1998 - 05.2000
- Taught English as a second language to adult and high-school learners.
- Volunteered with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation to support community access to English-language learning.
Executive Assistant to the CMO
The Coca-Cola Company
Atlanta, GA
09.1996 - 07.1997
- Provided executive-level administrative support including calendar, travel, correspondence and meeting logistics while completing graduate studies.
Account Executive
Advantage International
Atlanta, GA
09.1994 - 08.1995
- Supported executive team in a fast-paced sports-marketing office. Coordinated logistics, special projects and client communications.
Recruiting Specialist
The Coca-Cola Company
Atlanta, GA
01.1993 - 09.1994
- Coordinated graduate recruitment across 20 universities and developed Coca-Cola’s first integrated internship program across departments.
Education
Master of Social Science Education -
University of Georgia
01.1997
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations & French
Bucknell University
01.1991
Skills
- Coaching & Advising
- Student & Adult Support
- Emotional Intelligence
- Clear Communication
- Program Coordination
- Program Development
- Operational Leadership
- Confidentiality
- Judgment
- Discretion
Certification
- Certified Highlands Ability Consultant
- Certified Quantum Success Life Coach
Timeline
Library Page
Columbine Library
04.2023 - 08.2024
Career Coach
LifeSync Consulting
01.2017 - 12.2018
Registrar
Red Mountain Community School
09.2014 - 05.2016
Life Skills Teacher & Student Advisor
Stonecreek Montessori Academy
07.2013 - 06.2014
Homeschool Teacher
08.2011 - 06.2012
Teacher & Son-Rise Program Facilitator
08.2005 - 07.2007
English Teacher
ILERI Language Institute
01.1998 - 05.2000
Executive Assistant to the CMO
The Coca-Cola Company
09.1996 - 07.1997
Account Executive
Advantage International
09.1994 - 08.1995
Recruiting Specialist
The Coca-Cola Company
01.1993 - 09.1994
Master of Social Science Education -
University of Georgia
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations & French
Bucknell University