Colleen O’Brien serves as an Education Planner for the West region, partnering with planning teams and communities to help build schools that truly serve the needs of children and educators. With over 30 years of experience in education, Colleen brings a deep understanding of what great learning environments require—both in vision and in practice.
As a National Board-Certified Teacher, Colleen taught more than 3,000 students and used that experience to shape classrooms that were collaborative, innovative, and engaging. Today, she designs impactful professional learning experiences for teachers, school leaders, and organizations across sectors, ensuring strategic plans are actionable and meaningful. She is also a certified executive and team coach, supporting leaders in facilitating community conversations, tracking key performance indicators, and communicating results in creative and transparent ways.
Holding a Doctor of Education and licensure as a Colorado superintendent, principal, and teacher, Colleen leads with a philosophy rooted in careful listening and bold possibility. She believes architecture can be a powerful source of inspiration—creating spaces that spark creativity, foster relationships, and support the innovation that moves education forward.
