Ms. Karen Mills

Karen Mills joins Garmisch Elementary Middle School from Stuttgart High School, where she served as assistant principal. Before her time in Stuttgart, she worked in Iwakuni, Japan, as a guidance counselor at MC Perry Primary School. Her career with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) began in 2020, following 25 years of educational experience in Enterprise, Alabama.

In Enterprise, Mills held various roles, including district 504 and state testing coordinator, assistant principal at Enterprise High School for 11 years, and guidance counselor and fourth grade teacher at Hillcrest Elementary School for 12 years. During that time, she built strong connections with the military community, particularly with families from Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker).

Mills’ passion for education began in her childhood, inspired by a mentor at the small community school she attended. This personal connection, along with her extensive experience working with military-connected students, drives her enthusiasm for joining the Garmisch community. She brings with her strong communication and problem-solving skills, a commitment to student success, and a collaborative approach to working with educators, parents, and community members.

Mills earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Troy University, a Master’s in school counseling from Troy University Dothan, and a master’s in education leadership from the University of South Alabama.

Raised in Florida, Mills spent many years living and working in the Enterprise area before moving to Japan and later Germany. She is a proud mother and grandmother.