Her Story
About Kahrin
Kahrin Wessel is an educator, school leader, and advocate for inclusive education who serves as the Founder and Head of School of Harbor Christian Academy in Waco, Texas. Holding a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, she has dedicated her career to creating learning environments where every student is valued and empowered to succeed. Although she did not originally intend to pursue teaching, the encouragement of a college professor inspired her to enter the field—a decision that ultimately shaped a lifelong commitment to serving children with diverse learning needs.
Over the course of her career, Wessel has taught in both public and private elementary schools before specializing in special education. She earned certification in special education and spent 17 years working in a residential treatment facility, supporting students with neurobehavioral challenges, autism, ADHD, and other exceptional learning needs. Her expertise in inclusive education, combined with advanced studies in educational administration, prepared her for leadership roles focused on developing equitable, student-centered educational programs that recognize each learner's unique strengths and potential.
Inspired by faith and resilience, Wessel founded Harbor Christian Academy after experiencing both professional and personal challenges, including school closures and breast cancer treatment. Starting with no startup funding, she established one of Waco's first fully inclusive private schools, welcoming both neurodivergent and neurotypical students into a community built on the principles of achievement, belonging, and mutual respect. Guided by integrity, authenticity, and a belief in the dignity of every individual, she continues to champion an educational model that emphasizes skills-based learning, individualized support, and equal opportunities for all students.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kahrin
01What do you attribute your success to?
Treating everyone with respect and dignity has been key to my success. Making friends with janitors, cafeteria people, secretaries and treating them with utmost respect because they help the most when needed. Treating people equitably and without prejudice, because every person is valued.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Make friends with your janitors, cafeteria people, and secretary, and treat them with the utmost respect because they're the people that will help you the most when you need it. Treating people equitably and without prejudice, as every person is valued regardless of position.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to treat everyone with respect—from janitors to administrators—because every person plays an important role in achieving success. Stay true to your values. Throughout my 40-year career, faith, integrity, and authenticity have been my guiding principles. Follow your passion and find the area where you can make the greatest impact. I discovered my calling in working with children who learn differently, and it became the foundation of my career. Finally, be resilient. Challenges are inevitable, but they can also open new doors. After experiencing the closure of a school, I chose to build something new by founding my own school.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating financial constraints while maintaining high-quality, inclusive education. I have also experienced the closure of a private school, which was a difficult setback but ultimately inspired me to establish my own school. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity in pioneering inclusive education within the private sector. My goal is to demonstrate that an inclusive model is not only possible but can also provide meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for children with diverse needs.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My top value is my faith and my relationship with God. Second to that would be building trust with people, having integrity, and being authentic.
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