As Executive Director of the Beryl Buck Institute for Education, Carolyn Horan is dedicated to working with schools to restructure education to better meet student and family needs.

While working to support her two children, Ms. Horan earned her B.S. and Masters degree from San Francisco State University. During her education, she was involved in developing the Regional Occupational Programs, particularly the Office Occupation Program, which offers free training for re-entry women.

Ms. Horan has a keen understanding of the importance of change and growth for education. Some of the positions she has held include Superintendent of the K-8 District in Fairfax, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services and Planning for Marin County Office of Education, President of the Marin Chapter of the Association of California School Administrators, President of Marin Association of Superintendents, and Chair of the Youth Committee for the San Rafael Rotary Club. She was in charge of the project that resulted in the development of the 1,700 acre Walker Creek Environmental Education Center in West Marin. Ms. Horan was a member of the County-State Steering Committee under the California Department of Education, and the recipient of the Educator of the Year award in Marin County.