Karen Henderson, a native of New Orleans, has been named the new principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Kenner.
Henderson has served in education for 19 years. In her first year of teaching, she was nominated by her school as teacher of the year. The following school year, she was selected to write the social studies curriculum for Caddo Parish public schools.
Henderson completed her undergraduate education at Northeast Louisiana University, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in history. She also earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Louisville.
Henderson entered the field of education after tutoring homeless students at a women’s shelter with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.
She attended Holy Name of Mary School in Algiers and graduated from the Academy of Holy Angels in New Orleans. She served as principal at St. Rita School in New Orleans.
“My philosophy of education is simple,” she said. “All students can learn when provided with the tools to be successful.”
Henderson said working with students is both a gift and an awesome responsibility, which requires her to rely on her Catholic faith to accomplish her goals. Henderson has made it a priority to provide students with access to a high-quality education that serves to prepare their hearts as well as their minds.
Henderson plans to strengthen and sustain the tradition of academic excellence at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and continue to create a school culture that fosters faith in all students. Her husband Marcus and son Noah look forward to supporting the OLPH community as well.