About Kristen

Kristen Kayser is a passionate and dedicated educator committed to reducing barriers, improving access, and increasing positive outcomes. A natural leader, Kristen is adept at developing, facilitating, and evaluating professional and leadership development programs. A former teacher, principal, and education consultant, Kristen has impacted every facet of the public education system, shaping countless future leaders and inspiring a new generation of educators.

The Formative Years

Born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, Kristen Kayser is a product of public education. The first of five children growing up in a single-parent household, Kristen knows firsthand the importance of accessible education in improving one’s circumstances. When not applying herself academically in High School, she participated in dance and band. She was very active in various clubs and student activities, including student mediation, year book, and serving as Vice President of the French Club. All this while working near full-time to help prepare for college.

Kristen’s dedication continued to grow at Ohio University (or, as she lovingly calls it, Ohio’s first and finest). She worked her way through school as a Resident Advisor and a sorter at the local recycling facility, ultimately earning a BS in Integrated Mathematics with a minor in Psychology. As an undergraduate, Kristen founded the OU Council of Teachers of Mathematics, an affiliate of the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics. An advocate for accessibility even in college, Kristen pushed for expanded offerings of the courses required for Integrated Math majors and supported the growth of the major program.

A Path of Pedagogy

Upon graduating OU, Kristen moved to Cleveland and began her career in education. As Math and AVID elective teacher at Cleveland Heights High School, Kristen spent nine years shaping future leaders. During this time, she also earned her Master of Education in Organizational Leadership from Cleveland State University. Kristen transitioned from the classroom to an administrative role as Mastery Learning Specialist for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. For three years, she developed, evaluated, and refined mastery learning models including curriculum framework resources to support instruction at competency-based schools. In her role, Kristen cultivated core soft skills including collaboration, communication, and leadership.

Kristen transitions from her Mastery Learning role to serve as founding principal for one of the high schools in inner-city Cleveland she had supported in her previous role. As Principal, Kristen oversaw every facet of the schools operation, increasing enrollment by 75% within a school-choice district and maintaining a 98% staff retention rate. She also managed all school communications – including the website and social media channels. Kristen spearheaded community engagement efforts, including become one of the first Say Yes schools in the district, while developing a genuine bond with her staff and students that lasts to this day.

Happiness & Heartbreak

Kristen met and married a native Clevelander, Dave Kelly, and settled down to start her life and her family. Shortly after their marriage, however, Dave was diagnosed with brain cancer. After difficulty due to the cancer treatments, they finally welcomed a son, Patrick David, in 2013. Dave was an incredible father for almost seven wonderful years before succumbing to his cancer. His eight-year battle showed not only his strength, but Kristen’s as a caregiver, professional, and mother. He passed shortly before COVID, allowing the family to grieve him properly the way so many were unable to. Since his passing, Kristen has organized the Dave Kelly Day of Service every year on his birthday. Early years benefited the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, where Dave once worked.

At Dave’s celebration of life, her old high school friend, Scott, showed up to support her. He happened to live just ten minutes down the road, yet their paths hadn’t crossed since college. Scott was going through a divorce, so both their kids were adjusting to new realities. They got the kids together to play, and then COVID hit. Suddenly, they were a bubble together. During that time, they grew closer. They also decided – separately but simultaneously – to move home to Dayton.

Back Home

Kristen returned to Dayton in 2021, accepting a role as Coordinator of Secondary Curriculum for Xenia City Schools. There, she managed professional development design and facilitated trainings for secondary educators and administrators. She left Xenia schools to join College Board as K-12 Director, State and District Partnerships. In her role, she managed accounts in Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, and Nebraska – including navigating complex partnerships with contractual agreements in multiple jurisdictions

Now, Kristen is looking for the next opportunity to shape, train, and inspire future leaders. With a robust and diverse background in education and organizational leadership, she will be an asset to any team and bring clarity to your education, training, and professional development needs. Although she is looking for a full-time position to have maximum impact, she is open to consulting opportunities as well.

Kristen and Scott married in 2022 and welcomed their son Harrison in January 2025. They reside in Sugarcreek Township, just outside of Dayton, with their three boys and their derpy Great Pyrenees, Duke.

An Active Servant

Kristen is passionate about improving her community, doing so through her active membership in the Junior League of Dayton. Their efforts include serving at Ronald McDonald House Dayton improving literacy outcomes in the community, among other initiatives. In addition to volunteering service hours, Kristen manages many of the backend systems. She oversaw their migration from Digital Cheetah to Member Essentials, redesigned their website, and significantly cleaned up their membership database. She also led fundraising initiatives that exceeded fundraising goals by 50% and generated over $1,500 for a local nonprofit supporting domestic violence survivors.

In addition to the Junior League, Kristen continues to organize the Dave Kelly Day of Service every year. Since moving to Dayton, it is now an online effort encouraging supporters to volunteer at and/or donate to the nonprofit of their choice in Dave’s memory.