A former elementary school teacher and assistant principal, Kirsten is passionate about helping create school systems that are learning organizations for all, including staff, students, families and the community. She shares many of her ideas about making an impact on leadership and learning in her blog, Leadershift.
Previously, Kirsten served as associate executive director for instruction at the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). For nearly nine years, Kirsten planned professional learning for 5,800 members in pre-K-8 school leadership. She also served as a voice for principals in front of policymaking bodies such as the Texas Legislature, the State Board of Education, the State Board of Educator Certification, the Texas Education Agency and other education consortium groups.
Kirsten’s career in public education included teaching first and second grades and serving as a specialist for English language learners at several elementary campuses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She served as assistant principal for two years in Coppell ISD before joining TEPSA in 2008.
Kirsten holds a bachelor’s degree in applied learning and development with a minor in Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin and master’s degree in education administration from the University of North Texas in Denton. She also holds a certification in Dr. Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead™ curriculum.
Kirsten is a graduate of the Phoenix Union High School District and was director of the UT Dance Team. She is a wife and mother of two teenaged boys and loves to spend time with her family traveling, hiking or playing on a beach somewhere.