About Katrin Kelbert

Katrin Kelbert is the Executive Director of Operations at Action Day Schools, where she oversees multi-campus operations and leads teams in delivering a joyful, high-standards learning experience from early childhood through middle school.

A student-centered leader with more than three decades in education, Katrin blends strategic operations, instructional quality, and a deep commitment to relationships—“people are at the center of everything I do”—to ensure that teachers can teach, students can thrive, and families feel connected and supported.

Originally from Yorkshire, England, Katrin began her career as a high school teacher with a “kids first” mindset before moving into school administration and system-level leadership. That early classroom experience still anchors her approach: she prioritizes safe, well-run schools where curiosity, creativity, and character are deliberately cultivated alongside strong academics.

Before joining Action Day Schools, Katrin served as Executive Vice President at Spring Education Group, managing more than 60 schools nationwide. She also served as Chief Operating Officer at Learn And Play® Montessori Schools, where she led the expansion of Montessori + STEM offerings for Bay Area families. That experience sharpened her focus on teacher development, program quality, and scalable operations that never lose sight of the child.

Leadership at Action Day Schools

At Action Day Schools, Katrin partners closely with campus directors, regional leaders, and corporate teams to align daily operations with the school’s mission and family-first culture. Her portfolio spans staffing and professional growth, program implementation, safety and compliance, family communications, and continuous improvement.

She champions clear processes that free educators to do their best work, along with straightforward data practices that inform decisions without overwhelming staff. Her colleagues know her as a calm, organized operator who listens first, sets clear expectations, and follows through.

Educational Philosophy

Katrin’s educational philosophy is grounded in three beliefs:

1. Relationships Power Learning

Students thrive when they are truly known. Katrin prioritizes teacher coaching, strong family partnerships, and meaningful campus traditions that foster belonging—because a culture of care is the foundation for lasting academic growth.

2. Whole-Child Development Matters

She advocates for programs that integrate literacy, art, movement, science and engineering habits of mind, and social-emotional learning. A parent of avid readers, Katrin often speaks about cultivating a love of reading as a lifelong gift and writes publicly on practical ways families can nurture reading joy at home.

3. Great Operations Are Invisible

When arrival is smooth, classrooms are well-resourced, and communication is clear, learning is visible and logistics fade into the background. Katrin’s operations lens is never about bureaucracy—it’s about removing friction so teachers and students can focus on what matters most.

Thought Leadership & Mentorship

Beyond her day-to-day leadership, Katrin contributes thought leadership on literacy, operations, and family engagement through Action Day’s community channels. She also mentors emerging leaders across the network and continues to consult independently through Kelbert Consulting LLC, advising schools and education nonprofits on program rollout, team structure, and change management.

Outside the Office

Outside of work, Katrin enjoys running and long seaside walks—habits that mirror her leadership style: steady pace, clear direction, and a knack for bringing people along the journey.

In every role, her north star remains simple: empower educators, partner with families, and build schools where children feel seen, stretch their potential, and discover the joy of learning.

Career Overview

Current Role

Executive Director of Operations, Action Day Schools (San Jose Bay Area)
Scope includes multi-campus operations, staff development, program quality, safety/compliance, and family engagement.

Previous Leadership

  • Executive Vice President, Spring Education Group – Oversaw operations for the largest multi-site, multi-region private school network in the U.S.

  • Chief Operating Officer, Learn And Play® Montessori Schools (Bay Area) – Led growth and quality systems during the expansion of Montessori + STEM offerings.

  • Independent Educational Consultant, Kelbert Consulting LLC (ongoing) – Advises schools and nonprofits on program rollout and leadership systems.

  • Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction, Stratford Schools – Directed curriculum, instructional quality, and teacher professional growth.

  • Senior Regional Director, Challenger Schools – Managed multi-campus operations, instructional standards, and leadership development.

Early Career

Began as a high school teacher in Yorkshire, England, then transitioned from classroom teaching to school and network-level leadership—experience that continues to shape her people-first leadership style.

Notable Achievements

  • Played a key role in the merger of Nobel Learning Communities and Stratford Schools to form Spring Education Group.

  • Led the development of operational systems supporting multi-site school growth while maintaining child-centered quality across multiple national brands.

  • Continues to guide Action Day Schools through program enhancements in innovation, literacy, arts, STEM, and SEL.

Professional Interests

  • Multi-Campus Operations Leadership – Ensuring consistent excellence and mission alignment across all campuses.

  • Program Development & Expansion – Including world language, STEM, Montessori, and innovation-focused initiatives.

  • People & Leadership – Developing teachers and future leaders, coaching staff, and strengthening school-family partnerships.

  • Programs & Innovation – Advancing initiatives like Spanish immersion, Montessori + STEM, SEL, literacy, and the arts.

  • Operations & Excellence – Creating safe, compliant, and well-run schools through strong systems, data-driven decision-making, and thoughtful change management

 

The Action Day School’s Mission

For more than five decades, Action Day Schools has been a trusted leader in early childhood and elementary education across the Bay Area. Founded in 1968, our schools were built on a simple yet powerful belief, that learning should be an exciting, engaging, and joyful experience. What began as one small preschool has grown into a family of campuses serving children from infancy through eighth grade, providing a continuous educational journey rooted in care, creativity, and community.

Our Mission
We create excitement for learning in a fun and loving environment.

Our mission guides every classroom, every interaction, and every program we offer. We believe that when children are happy and inspired, their curiosity naturally flourishes. Through hands-on experiences, creative exploration, and a nurturing atmosphere, students develop confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning.

A Holistic Learning Experience
At Action Day Schools, we educate the whole child. Our Action Star Learning Curriculum integrates academics with innovation, creativity, and character development. Students build strong foundations in literacy, math, science, and the arts while developing critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Enrichment programs such as our Spanish Stars, Innovation Pods, West Valley Dance Company, and Action Sports Bay Area, extend learning beyond the classroom, encouraging students to explore new passions and develop physical, artistic, and emotional growth.

Family and Community Connection
We view education as a partnership between families, teachers, and students. Across our 12 campuses, parents find a welcoming environment where children are known, supported, and celebrated. Many of our students begin as infants and remain with us through middle school, creating meaningful relationships and a strong sense of belonging that lasts for years.

A Legacy of Trust and Quality
As a family-owned and operated organization, Action Day Schools continues to uphold its founding values of Trust, Quality, Dedication, Community, and Fun. Our teachers are more than educators, they are mentors who inspire creativity, curiosity, and confidence every day. With over 57 years of service, we continue to innovate and evolve, ensuring that our programs meet the needs of today’s families while preparing children to thrive in an ever-changing world.

At Action Day Schools, we don’t just teach, we ignite imagination, nurture growth, and create excitement for learning in a fun and loving environment.

The Action Day School

Infant through 8th Grade

11 Locations in the South Bay

(408) 244-1968 • www.actiondayschools.com

About Leaders in Education
Leaders in Education is a special profile series from Parents Press, highlighting the vision, values, and leadership of heads of schools and key administrators across the Greater Bay Area. Through these features, we aim to give the community a deeper understanding of the people shaping children’s educational experiences.