Thank you Kari for your friendship, leadership, direction, and the positive atmosphere that you created during our time on the High School dance team. You are an advocate for both parents and students and care deeply about all that you encounter. During a time when there was so much uncertainty in the pandemic, you ensured everyone moved forward. Your infectious enthusiasm, humor, patience and ability to believe in the end goal gave all of us a purpose and direction to move forward. You have a true knack for making people feel like they are important and valuable and you love like no other. It’s truly admirable and we are the lucky ones to have you in our court then and now! Thank you for all you did for us!

-Phyllis Koldenhoven

Kari Batka coached my daughter for 4 years on the Varsity Dance Team. Those 4 years of high school are critical to many young adults and with Kari’s passion to develop, nurture, and challenge, she’s made a great impact on my daughter and many other lives. Her focus was not only on her athletes, but also the parents and coaching staff. No matter the audience, she’s able to listen, guide and direct towards positive outcomes. She dedicates the time needed to help you get on the right path and achieve your goals. Kari is authentic, personable and caring which makes it easy for anyone at all ages to build the trust required to develop an open and honest connection. Kari changes lives for the better. I hope everyone has an opportunity to experience this gift she shares.

- Grace Herman

Over the years, Kari has guided me in both my professional and personal life. Specifically, Kari not only mentored me as a young adult starting my career in education, but at the same time has been a significant source of direction, inspiration, and counsel in my relationship with my now husband. Her ability to offer practical, honest, and "boots on the ground" advice to support both the success of my relationship, and my health as an individual within that relationship, is unparalleled to any other guidance I have received. She is trustworthy, reliable, approachable, and wise. I'm so thankful to her for all she has done for me personally, and in helping shape me into a better partner, colleague, and teammate to others.

- Kelly Pursel (She/Her Pronouns) English Department, Peer Leadership Director, St. Charles East High School

Batka is one of the most uplifting people I have ever met. Batka always knows how to keep you going, no matter how hard you want to give up. She always knows the right thing to say, and she is always there for you. Batka is truly the best!

- Lyndsey

Kari Batka was my Varsity Dance coach for 4 years. Having her as my coach I learned how to lead and collaborate with others while staying true to myself. She is passionate about helping others and bringing out the very best in each individual. She has made a lifetime impression on me and I hope to remain connected to her always. I highly recommend Kari if you want a positive, uplifting and life changing experience.

-Mia Herman Parents

Batka helped me to stay positive and persevere. When things got hard, Batka was always there to remind me to push through and never give up. Having Coach Batka as my Coach I learned that hard work will always pay off, even if it’s not exactly how you expected it to. I would recommend Batka as a Life Coach because of her determination, her experience as a dance coach and counselor, and her commitment to helping others.

- Angelina

I have known Kari for the last 7 years. In this time she has seen potential in myself that I never thought possible! Through Kari's partnership she highlighted my strengths and helped me foster them to move my career and personal life to the next level. Kari always had my best interest at heart and individualized her work to help me set goals to take on new challenges for my career. Without Kari believing in me I would not have taken the steps to achieve my goals and I am forever grateful!

- Maura Kenny