Administrators

Principal: Kathryn Bell

Mrs. Kathryn Bell currently serves as the principal of Hawthorn Elementary.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from William Jewell College and earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Park University in 2012.

Mrs. Bell joined the Park Hill School District in 2025 following her tenure as an administrator with Kansas City Public Schools. Her background also includes experience as an Academic Instructional Coach, Title I Reading and Math Interventionist, and classroom teacher for grades 2 through 5. She brings a wealth of expertise in restorative practices, curriculum development, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), data analysis, and teacher mentorship.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Mrs. Bell enjoys spending quality time with her husband, daughters, and their many pets. She also has a passion for reading and traveling.

Mrs. Bell is deeply committed to ensuring the needs of all students are met. She values building strong, positive relationships and is dedicated to supporting the development of the whole child. She looks forward to fostering meaningful, collaborative partnerships within the Hawthorn community.

Assistant Principal: Kristen Mitchell

Mrs. Kristen Mitchell became the assistant principal at Hawthorn Elementary and Union Chapel Elementary starting with the 2024-2025 school year. As a military spouse, Mrs. Mitchell has lived and taught all over the United States and abroad. She joined the Park Hill family in 2019 as a 1st grade teacher at Hopewell Elementary. Mrs. Mitchell was a Park Hill School District Star Award recipient in 2021. She was also a Northland Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Classroom Teaching nominee in 2022.

Mrs. Mitchell earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Florida State University, her master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Bowie State University, and her educational specialist from Northwest Missouri State University.

Mrs. Mitchell and her husband, Rob, have three boys. Liam, Jack, and Ryan are all current students or alumni of the Park Hill School District. They enjoy traveling, playing games, and taking their dogs for walks.