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Karen O’Neill

Director of Training and Quality Improvement

Karen O’Neill is the Director of Training and Quality Improvement at the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) at the Wellesley Centers for Women. She oversees the national and local training activities conducted by NIOST in support of out-of-school time programs. In this role, under subcontract from EDC, she is the NIOST Project Director of the National Center on Afterschool and Summer Enrichment, one of eight technical assistance centers supporting child care, funded by the federal Office of Child Care.

O’Neill’s professional development, coaching, and technical assistance encompass the wide range of areas that impact out-of-school time program quality, including continuous quality improvement, equity in action, family engagement, leadership cultivation, partnership development, planning for sustainability, and funding. She brings extensive experience in adult learning through in-person, online, virtual, and community of practice engagements.

Prior to joining NIOST, O’Neill held multiple direct service and leadership positions in K-12 out-of-school time programs. She holds an Ed.M. in Education Policy, Planning, and Administration from Boston University and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from University at Buffalo.

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been an anchor for numerous school age care projects we do, including ASQ (After-School Quality) and Links to Learning. They are a nationally respected organization that Pennsylvania has partnered with for over 20 years."



    – Betsy O. Saatman, TA Specialist/SAC Initiatives, Pennsylvania Key
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST was a core partner in supporting the development of quality improvement systems across the nine cities that participated in The Wallace Foundation Next Generation Afterschool System-Building Initiative. The NIOST team worked well with other technical assistance partners in the initiative, always willing to pitch in and collaborate with others to make our professional learning community meetings a team effort. I truly hope the Foundation has an opportunity to partner with them in the future."


    – Priscilla M. Little, Initiative Manager, The Wallace Foundation

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been a leader in the out-of-school time field for as long as I can remember, and I have relied on their research, tools, and advice to improve my practice throughout my career. Their staff members are good partners and good listeners, and their influence across the country is palpable."


    – Jane Quinn, Vice President and Director of National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "Georgia Hall, Ellen Gannett, and the NIOST team have been instrumental in driving the healthy afterschool movement. Their dedication to quality practice, informed policy, and collective impact is instrumental in our effort to create healthier communities."



    – Daniel W. Hatcher, Director, Community Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

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The National Institute on Out-of-School Time

A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College

Wellesley Centers for Women
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 USA

niost@wellesley.edu
781.283.2547
Directions to NIOST

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