Kathleen has served Colorado children and families for over thirty years. Her career as an education leader for the Lake County and Eagle County Schools included being a K-12 Special Education Teacher, Early Childhood Education Director, Alternative High School Principal, and Director of Special Education. She has extensive experience in the design, development, and operations of new schools and programs designed to improve teacher effectiveness and improve student learning. Throughout her career, she has focused on improving the quality of a student’s education experience through building positive relationships and improving teachers’ skills and instruction. As a result of her work, she has been recognized with the Milken Foundation National Educator Award, the Temple Buell Fellowship Award, and the Colorado Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education. She is committed to excellence in all schools and recognizes that teacher quality and effectiveness are the most important variables in education.