Cara Woellhof: Charter College’s Globetrotting Campus Manager
Cara Woellhof brings a world of experience to Charter College’s Canyon Country location—literally. As Campus Manager, she uses her background in international education and leadership to help students thrive. Before her time at Charter, Cara traveled the globe and taught English in Thailand, China, and Spain. After years of educational experience overseas, Cara decided to pivot and settle in Southern California. She took on roles at many different institutions, including a position as an online department manager for a Los Angeles medical school. After five years there, Cara recognized she wanted something more hands-on and in-person.
“I missed being on campus,” says Cara. “I wanted to interact with students face-to-face again.”
Her travels and her search led her to Canyon Country, where she found an opportunity with Charter College.
Helping Charter College Canyon Country Grow
In January 2024, Cara joined Charter’s Canyon Country location as Campus Manager.
“After meeting the CEO and the team I said to myself ‘this company seems great,’” says Cara. “I saw the potential and made it my goal to grow the campus.”
Since then, Cara has helped lead the campus through rapid growth. Enrollment has more than doubled, and she continues to build an environment that feels warm, energetic, and welcoming.
“We greet every student when they walk in and say goodbye when they leave,” Cara says. “Even when they’re late for reasons outside of class, we make sure they know we’re glad they showed up.”
Creating a Student-First Culture at Charter College
Cara works closely with her team to make sure students have everything they need to succeed. She and her staff organize themed events like hot cocoa bars and ice cream socials to celebrate achievements and keep morale high. Every few weeks, they hand out awards and affirmations to recognize student success.
“Our campus feels alive,” says Cara. “We make learning fun, and we show students that we see them and value them.”
She also makes sure her team offers strong academic support, especially since many programs follow a hybrid learning model. From IT support to student coaching, Cara makes sure someone is always there to help.
“We work as one big team,” say Cara. “Whether it’s on campus or online, we make sure our students can learn and grow.”
Connecting with a Diverse Student Body
Cara’s international background also helps her connect with students from all cultures and walks of life. She takes time to learn about their stories, cultures, and goals—and she encourages them to share with others on campus.
“I ask students about where they’re from, what matters to them, and how we can support them,” Cara says. “I want to help them create the life they want and let them know they can do it.”
She also pushes students to find their confidence—even when it doesn’t come naturally.
“I love helping those shy students who sit in the back of the class,” says Cara. “Watching them blossom and realize what they’re capable of—that’s the best part of my job.”
Cara motivates students by helping them define their “why,” set goals, and check in regularly. She also uses discipline as a way to show she cares, guiding students back on track when they need it.
“We create structure, and we hold students accountable,” says Cara. “But we also build them up with encouragement, affirmations, and a little bit of fun.”
Spreading the Word—and the Mission
Outside ofCharter College, Cara stays busy in the community. She attends events through her local church and represents Charter College at the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce. She also invites coworkers to join her in these efforts, so more people learn about programs at Canyon Country.
“The more people know about us, the more we can help,” says Cara. “Word of mouth matters, especially in a close-knit community like this.”
Her message to anyone who’s thinking about making a change in their life?
“Don’t let fear win,” says Cara. “Push through your obstacles and use them as steppingstones. If you believe it, you can achieve it.”
Cara Woellhof and the team at Charter College’s Canyon Country location work hard every day to support, motivate, and prepare students for the future. If you’re ready to discover what you’re capable of, now is the perfect time to explore what Charter College has to offer.
Fill out the form or call 888.200.9842 to schedule a visit to the Canyon Country today!