Cara Hilgert serves as the 5th–8th Grade Principal at St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and is a valued member of the administrative team, bringing more than twenty years of experience in education, counseling, and student support. Prior to stepping into administration, Cara served the St. Wenceslaus community for thirteen years as School Counselor, supporting students and families with deep compassion, expertise, and a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic education.

Cara’s professional background includes extensive mental health experience as an On-Call Mental Health Therapist with Immanuel Hospital’s Partial Hospitalization Program and earlier service as a School Liaison supporting students in both Catholic and public school settings. These roles strengthened her skills in student advocacy, collaborative problem-solving, and designing systems that promote academic, social, and emotional growth for all learners.

She holds a Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska Omaha and is currently completing her Master of Education in Educational Leadership at Doane University, with anticipated completion in 2026. Cara also holds a Provisional Administrative Certificate (K–8) and is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Certified Professional Counselor.

Within the St. Wenceslaus community, Cara is known for her relational leadership, strategic mindset, and dedication to building a positive, faith-filled school culture. Her leadership strengths—Arranger, Responsibility, Developer, Relator, and Futuristic—guide her collaborative approach to mentoring teachers, advancing PBIS implementation, strengthening student support processes, and contributing to instructional and strategic planning. With her blended expertise in counseling and administration, she plays a vital role in ensuring middle school students feel known, supported, and inspired to grow in both faith and learning.