My name is Kari Staack and I am a College and Career Transition Counselor for North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) located in Mason City, Iowa. The mission of being a CCTC is in guiding students and young adults through the complex processes of navigating post-high school decisions in careers or post-secondary education, and to support the preparation of students for their future. I serve the North Butler School District as well as the Charles City School District.
I bring with me many years of supporting students and adults in their quest for personal and professional growth as a former Instructional Coach, teacher, post-secondary instructor, and parent of four grown children. As parents we have helped our children navigate the world of, "What do we do now?" decisions to make plans after finishing up high school. As a College and Career Transition Counselor, I hope to bring my experiences, knowledge, and encouragement to all students planning for their future.
The career path I have experienced has included teaching 6th grade in the Johnston Community School District in Johnston, Iowa, one year teaching 5th grade math in the West Des Moines School District, and then a move to the Waverly-Shell Rock School district to finish my first career as an elementary gifted and talented coordinator, 7th grade literacy teacher, and then as an Instructional Coach.
My own college and career readiness path began at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, and then on to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, earing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with endorsements in ELA, Early Childhood Education, and Talented and Gifted. After beginning my teaching career I returned to higher education earning a Masters Degree in Education.
Things I love include spending time with my husband, our four children and their + ones, enjoying our grandchildren as they grow, watching UNI Men's Rugby (one son is an alum of the team and our youngest is currently on the team. Our two older sons play for the Bremer County Bucks out of Waverly, IA). I also really love volleyball (however I can watch it), listening to audiobooks (I listened to 88 audiobooks so far in 2025 with a goal of reaching 100), and learning something new everyday.