Head Orchestra Director

Originally from Wyoming, Karen Russell has dreamed of teaching high school orchestra since her freshman year of high school. She participated in the University of Wyoming String Project, a wonderful teacher-training program, during her undergraduate degree and then moved to Knoxville, TN where she taught at Bearden High School for two years after graduating with her Master's Degree in Music Education. Her parents and family have since moved to the Kansas City area, and she was thrilled to move close to them when the opportunity came. In her free time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, paddling on various lakes with her friends, baking, playing board games, and traveling!

Bachelor of Music Education, University of Wyoming

Master of Music Education, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Certificate of Music Theory Pedagogy, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Phone:  913-780-7180 

Email: krussell@olatheschools.org

Assistant Orchestra Director

Born and raised in Olathe, Caroline Shipley is thrilled to be back in the district teaching orchestra! In addition to assisting at Olathe West in the mornings, she travels to various elementary schools in the OW area to teach 5th grade beginning strings in the afternoons. Caroline is an active cellist in the area, regularly playing in pit orchestras and chamber ensembles. In her free time, Caroline enjoys arts & craft projects, rock climbing, reading, and watching movies. 

Bachelor of Music Education, Washburn University

Bachelor of Cello Performance, Washburn University

Phone:  913-780-7180 

Email: cgshipley@olatheschools.org