Quick Facts

  • Global Leadership: Over 25 years of experience improving learning in the U.S., China, and Puerto Rico.

  • Current Executive Experience: Currently serving as a Director of Learning & Teaching for a school district in Minnesota.

  • Academic Excellence: Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) with research focused on multilingual learner success; M.A. in ESL and M.Ed. in Educational Leadership.

  • U.S. Licensing: Four professional Minnesota (USA) licenses: Superintendent; K-12 Principal; English as a Second Language (ESL), K-12; Elementary Education

  • Systemic Language Impact: 16+ years directing multilingual policy, programs, and practices, including extensive experience with English Language Development and Dual Language Immersion. 

  • Teaching Foundation: Elementary and high school teacher in Minnesota, U.S., and Puerto Rico.

  • IB Expertise: Former Vice Principal in an IBPYP international school, specializing in student inquiry, agency, and framework implementation.

  • Linguistic Roots: Native speaker of English, Proficient in Spanish, and a beginner in Mandarin.

Partner with Radiance
Partner with Radiance

Kristie O’Brien, Ed.D | Founder and Lead Consultant

A Note from Kristie:

Leadership is a series of complex decisions, but ensuring the success of your multilingual learners shouldn't be a solitary burden. I founded Radiance Consulting to be the partner I sought during my years as an administrator—a partner who understands that systemic excellence requires both a global vision and a practitioner's pulse.

A Career Rooted in Multilingual Excellence

I am a seasoned educator and current Director of Learning & Teaching with a 25-year legacy of serving multilingual communities. From my foundations in the diverse schools of St. Paul, Minnesota, to my work in English immersion in Puerto Rico and leadership within an International IB World School in China, I have spent my career at the intersection of language, literacy, and leadership.

As a bilingual administrator and former EAL Coordinator, I specialize in the 'Empowering Design' of systems that bridge high-level policy, curriculum development, and classroom instruction. My expertise lies in translating complex educational requirements into actionable school success. Whether navigating the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), aligning systems with UDL and MTSS, or implementing U.K. and U.S. standards, I treat these frameworks as technical architecture—ensuring the human element of learning always remains the priority.

I hold a Doctorate of Education with research focused on multilingual learner success, a Master of Arts in English as a Second Language, and a Master of Education in Leadership. My work is defined by a "structured inquiry" approach that advocates for student agency and the radiance of every learner. I build school capacity through relationship-driven partnerships, ensuring that every system we design together is as sustainable as it is impactful.

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