Keely Garren
Windsor,CO
Summary
Innovative and mission-driven educational leader with 15+ years of experience in K-12 education, specializing in professional learning, mental health, MTSS, and educator evaluation and development. Proven expertise in designing and facilitating impactful district-wide professional development, policy writing, and developing leadership programs. Adept at fostering cross-functional collaboration, building systems to support staff and student success, and aligning initiatives with strategic goals. Recognized speaker, trainer, and published policy contributor with a passion for cultivating leadership, learning, and wellbeing across educational ecosystems.
Diligent Professional Development Director with robust history in leading and enhancing professional learning programs. Demonstrated success in implementing training initiatives and fostering continuous learning environments. Proven ability to leverage strategic thinking and effective communication to drive team growth and performance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Professional Development
Thompson School District
07.2022 - Current
- Lead the strategic design and implementation of district-wide professional learning systems, aligned with instructional and organizational goals to support the growth and lead to increased retention of educators.
- Facilitate evaluator training for leaders across multiple districts state-wide, conduct induction and mentorship programs, lead New Teacher Orientation for over 150 educators each year, and lead Aspiring Leader programs for three employee groups.
- Deliver and organize keynotes, workshops, and coaching on collective efficacy, leadership, educator effectiveness for 1,500 employees, and systems coherence.
District Mental Health Coordinator
Thompson School District
12.2019 - 06.2022
- Directed mental health programming for 31 schools and led MTSS integration district-wide.
- Trained over 2,000 staff on SEL, suicide prevention (QPR), trauma-informed care, and crisis response.
- Contributed to policy development around bullying prevention and equity supports.
Senior Implementation Consultant
Colorado Department of Education, Office of Learning Supports
05.2018 - 12.2019
- Delivered state-wide training and coaching on MTSS, PBIS, behavior supports, and school climate for 110 Colorado schools and districts.
- Led district teams through systems-level implementation, improvement planning, and fidelity monitoring.
- Co-authored the state’s first model bullying prevention policy.
Professional School Counselor & MTSS Coordinator
Weld RE-4 & Thompson School Districts
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Built advisory programs, led student intervention systems, and trained 120 HS teachers in data-based decisions and problem-solving practices.
- Championed bullying prevention through MTSS, college and career integration, and family engagement across school communities for 1,500 students annually.
Professional School Counselor
Thompson School District
07.2012 - 07.2013
- Enhanced student academic performance by providing personal, social, career, and educational counseling and support services for over 300 students.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by participating in leadership committees focusing on student engagement initiatives.
Manager
JCPenney
07.2003 - 07.2003
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
Manager
Rainbow Apparel Companies
01.2002 - 06.2003
- Managed all employee hiring, training, and daily operations, as well as all financial aspects, including payroll, budget planning, expense tracking, bank deposits, and accurate record-keeping to maintain fiscal responsibility and lead sales to over 1 million each year.
- Maintained proper product levels and inventory controls for merchandise and inventory control, shrinkage, and discrepancies.
Education
Doctoral Candidate - Educational Leadership, Policy, and Studies
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO12.2022
M.A. - Counseling and Human Services
University of Colorado
01.2012
B.A. - Psychology and Pre-Law
University of Colorado
01.2008
Skills
- Organizational development
- Strategic thinker
- Coaching and mentoring
- Project management
- Conflict resolution
- Analytical thinking
- Professionalism
- Leadership development
- Team direction
- Learning management systems
- Change management
- Human resources
Certification
Colorado Department of Education Evaluator Training Authorized Provider
January 2024 – Present
Emergenetics Certified Associate
September 2023 – Present
Safe-2-Tell Certified Trainer
February 2022 – Present
PREPaRE Certified Trainer
February 2022 – Present
QPR Institute Gatekeeper Training Certified Instructor
March 2021 – Present
Bullying and Harassment Prevention in Positive Behavior Support: Expect Respect Authorized Trainer
June 2018 – Present
Psychology of Eating Certified Coach
July 2016 – Present
Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (CBITS) Certified Provider
April 2014 – Present
National Certification National Certified Counselor (NCC) # 302348
May 2012 – Present
Timeline
Director of Professional Development
Thompson School District
07.2022 - Current
District Mental Health Coordinator
Thompson School District
12.2019 - 06.2022
Senior Implementation Consultant
Colorado Department of Education, Office of Learning Supports
05.2018 - 12.2019
Professional School Counselor
Thompson School District
07.2012 - 07.2013
Professional School Counselor & MTSS Coordinator
Weld RE-4 & Thompson School Districts
01.2012 - 01.2018
Manager
JCPenney
07.2003 - 07.2003
Manager
Rainbow Apparel Companies
01.2002 - 06.2003
B.A. - Psychology and Pre-Law
University of Colorado
Doctoral Candidate - Educational Leadership, Policy, and Studies
University of Northern Colorado
M.A. - Counseling and Human Services
University of Colorado
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