Michelle Powrie
Principal at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School in Trumbull, CT.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Ken for the past year, and I can say with complete confidence that he is one of the most exceptional educators and mentors I’ve encountered in my career. Ken brings a rare combination of deep wisdom, steady patience, and unwavering support. He serves as an anchor—helping others stay grounded and focused, even in the most challenging seasons of leadership.
As a Catholic school principal for ten years, I’ve come to understand that our growth as leaders is never finished. We are always learning, always refining how we serve our communities more effectively. Ken embodies this truth. What makes him so impactful is not only his breadth of experience, but his humility and generosity in sharing it. He offers thoughtful, judgment-free guidance and is fully invested in the success and well-being of those he mentors.
Everything Ken does is rooted in mission. He has an extraordinary ability to bring every conversation, challenge, and goal back to the core purpose of Catholic education. He consistently reminds you that your role is not just a job—it’s a vocation. He empowers you with the perspective that you have been chosen for your role, and he challenges you to lead through a distinctly Catholic lens. That grounding has been a tremendous source of encouragement and renewal for me as a school leader.
Throughout our time working together, Ken has helped me sharpen essential leadership skills—from time management and purposeful meeting design to creating healthy work-life boundaries. He’s also guided me through the often-difficult work of holding staff accountable with compassion and clarity. His influence has helped me grow not just as an administrator, but as a person of faith, integrity, and balance.
Working with Ken has been a true gift. He has strengthened my confidence, deepened my perspective, and inspired me to lead with greater clarity and purpose. Any school, organization, or individual would be fortunate to benefit from his insight, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Catholic education.”
Michelle
School of the Madeleine
Catholic K- 8 School in Berkeley, CA – Diocese of Oakland
Ken Willers is an exemplary leader in Catholic Education. During his tenure at the School of the Madeleine from 2010-2018 he transformed the school. Following the mission of our Dominican founders, he implemented a vision for 21st Century Education: established a 1-1 iPad program, remodeled the classrooms into SMART leaning environments, implemented a partner–teacher model, and constructed an outdoor amphitheater and environmental learning space. Mr. Willers guided the entire school community by modeling our Catholic charism through his open and caring spirit. He has been recognized with the 2016 ISTE Exemplary Leadership Award, and the School of the Madeleine’s Advisory Board, under his leadership was awarded the 2016 NCEA Outstanding Board Award. The School of the Madeleine was proud to have in Mr. Willers a Catholic educator who modeled the NCEA mission to lead, learn, serve, and proclaim!
Dr. Steve Neiheisel, PhD
I have had the pleasure of working with Ken and his school leadership as a consultant in board development for the past several years. During that time, I have had an up-close and in-depth observation of Ken and his leadership skills and vision. I have been utterly impressed. Truly he is one of the most impressive Catholic school leaders I have worked with over the past fifteen years.
Ron Loiacono
Ken has been on the forefront of technology in the San Francisco Bay Area Catholic School community and always shared any information regarding student learning with his fellow educators. Ken continues to be an incredible asset to the overall Catholic community. His work with his teachers, parent community and students is the envy of many public and catholic schools.
