Vernon resident named Mount’s principal

Karen D’Avino of Vernon has been appointed principal of Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell for the 2024-25 school year.

She began the job July 1 at the Catholic preparatory school for girls.

D’Avino was superintendent of the Vernon Township School District from 2018 to 2022 and superintendent of the Barnegat Township School District from 2011 to 2018.

She began her career as a music teacher in 1994. She was vice principal of Galloway Township Middle School from 2001 to 2003, principal of Emma C. Attales School in Absecon from 2003 to 2008, and superintendent of the West Long Branch School District from 2008 to 2011.

She served as interim school administrator and assistant principal in the Mahwah School District in 2023 and 2024.

D’Avino earned a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in educational leadership from New Jersey City University and a bachelor’s in music education from Montclair State University.

She is a member of the Women’s Initiative Network at Montclair State University and a certified mentor in the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.

“I am excited to join Mount St. Dominic Academy and contribute to its rich tradition of empowering young women in the Dominican tradition while continuing to expand access to the school’s incredible signature programs in entrepreneurship, health sciences, social justice and capstone research,” she said.

Kelly Sullivan King, chairwoman of the Mount’s board of trustees, said, “We look forward to working with Dr. D’Avino to provide our community of young women with the unique blend of faith exploration, traditional liberal arts coursework, and innovative, real-world learning opportunities that the Mount has become known for.

“Dr. D’Avino exhibits the same passion for the education and empowerment of young women as we do here at the Mount. We are excited to welcome her into our family to share that passion as well as her extensive knowledge and experience in the world of faith and education with our students, faculty, staff, board and MSDA community.”

The Mount recently held its 129th commencement, with the Class of 2024 securing more than $13 million in college scholarships and grants and acceptance into 119 colleges and universities throughout the country.