Spring 2025 Graduate: Kristen O'Keefe

Name: Kristen O’Keefe

Major/Degree Program: Elementary Education (K-6) with a concentration in Reading (undergraduate degree)

Hometown/Current City: Originally from Greenville, NC, now residing on the coast of Emerald Isle, NC.

Hobbies/Interests: I am happiest outdoors, immersed in the beauty of nature—whether hiking scenic trails in the mountains, traveling abroad, exploring the magic of the forest, or playing in the ocean. My enthusiasm for exploring new cultures fuels my love for cooking, painting, discovering new mediums, and music. I also enjoy learning about history and visiting museums in different cities.

Reading and writing allow me to escape into different worlds, while yoga and meditation provide grounding practices that nurture my mind and spirit in profound ways. Since childhood, you could always find me in the woods or creating art—nature and the arts have captivated my heart. My vivid imagination drives me to create in various forms, whether sewing, painting, or choreographing movement meditations.

I cherish moments spent dancing and playing outside with my kids, as these experiences deepen our connection and inspire creativity in our everyday lives.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at ECU?

One of my favorite memories as an ECU student was creating and implementing project-based creative writing workshops with students. My passion for self-expression through writing came to life as I guided them in composing their very first personal narratives and stories. It was a blast to watch them discover their voices and unleash their creativity.

We learned through dance, music, play, and engaging in collaborative communication and sensory exploration. The workshops not only deepened their reading and writing skills but also fostered meaningful connections, enabling me to get to know my students on a heart-to-heart level. The experience was not just about writing—it was about inspiring confidence and celebrating the unique stories within each of them.

I am continually inspired by each child’s innate artistic originality and hope they carry a lifelong love for writing.

What inspired you to pursue a career in education?

From 2008 to 2010, I studied to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant, which led me to a heart-opening clinical experience in the neuropsychiatric unit at UNC Chapel Hill. There, I discovered a deep passion for teaching social-emotional learning, interpersonal skills, and life skills to individuals—including neurodiverse children and those facing mental health challenges. This experience sparked a desire to make a meaningful impact in my community.

In 2011, as an avid yoga practitioner since 2000, I felt called to explore the deeper teachings and roots of yoga and meditation. This led me to Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, where I lived on an off-grid eco-retreat and permaculture farm at the base of a volcano. Immersed in daily practice with a small, conscious community, I studied trauma-informed yoga and envisioned teaching children how to find calm amidst the chaos of the world.

For over a decade, I specialized in functional yoga therapy. Later, I worked as a Developmental Therapist and Registered Behavioral Technician with children on the autism spectrum, integrating social-emotional learning into my work. Yet, I yearned to make a greater impact and realized that the most selfless act I could undertake was to teach in public schools, especially in underserved communities.

At the time, my partner worked for the NC Arts Council and A+ Schools—a transformative model that integrates fine arts into the core curriculum in North Carolina. Learning from educators who were also artists and NC fellows inspired me to craft a teaching approach that weaves mindfulness, critical thinking, art, and music into the state standards.

I am incredibly grateful for the brilliant educators who have shared this journey with me and sang the praises of ECU’s Partnership Teach program. I signed up immediately, drawn by its reputation for cultivating innovative, compassionate leaders in education. My advisor, Karli Ruscoe, was a true guiding light who believed in me, encouraged me, and helped me persevere through indescribable challenges.

Who has made the biggest impact on your journey here?

Without a doubt, the students have made the biggest impact on my journey. The unique light of each child has continually inspired me and affirmed my path as an educator.

There were many days of exhaustion—especially during the EdTPA process—when I felt overwhelmed by data collection, research, and paperwork. But every time I returned to the classroom, my students reminded me why I began this journey. Their presence reignited my passion and helped me stay focused on the bigger picture.

My heart is fully invested in a future in education because of the incredible kids I’ve had the privilege of teaching.

What’s next after graduation?

After graduation, I’m excited to begin my teaching career in grades K–6 in Carteret County. My goal is to gain valuable classroom experience over the next three years and then pursue National Board Certification to further develop my practice and impact.

What advice would you give to future College of Education students?

I encourage future educators to embrace the collaborative spirit of your school and actively engage with everyone in the building. Build relationships with art and music teachers, administrators, nurses, occupational and speech therapists, librarians, janitors, volunteers, counselors, and school psychologists.

Each of these individuals brings invaluable wisdom and support to the educational community. By nurturing these connections, you’ll find a network of love and inspiration that will sustain and enrich your teaching journey—and your students’ learning experiences.

How has the College of Education prepared you for the classroom (or your next step)?

The College of Education and the Office of Clinical Experiences at ECU played a pivotal role in creating a seamless and successful student teaching experience—especially when I moved to the coast halfway through my internship. They quickly found a new placement that suited my needs and supported me through the transition with care and professionalism.

Their dedication helped lay the foundation for a purpose-driven future. I also benefited greatly from their workshops and training sessions, which equipped me with the tools to succeed, master the EdTPA, and step into my role as an educator with confidence and leadership.

The staff at OCE were deeply invested in my success and provided continuous support throughout the process. I’m grateful for their efforts and couldn’t have asked for a better foundation as I step forward into the world of teaching.

From Karli Ruscoe (instructional consultant with Partnership Teach): Kristen is an Elementary Education major completing her coursework online through Partnership Teach. She is on track to graduate this summer (2025). She currently holds a 3.87 GPA with ECU. She has been able to maintain her strong academic standing while raising a family (2 young boys) and navigating a variety of life challenges. Most recently, during her internship this spring, the unthinkable happened…she lost her husband and best friend Joseph. Her family relocated from to the coast late fall 2024 from the piedmont to help access better supports and services for her oldest son. Then, one afternoon in early March, after leaving her internship site, she went home to find her husband Joseph unconscious. Her University Supervisor, Dr. Paul Gainey, quickly reached out to the appropriate offices at ECU with the news along with his support and advocacy for Kristen who he describes as ”a strong Teacher”. After a very brief pause, Kristen returned to her internship site, now a single mother of two young boys, and with the unwavering support of her Clinical Teacher and University Supervisor she is on track to finish her internship and graduate on time. For me, it will be her resilience that I will remember. To endure the unexpected loss of her husband during her full-time internship and persist is brave and shows her immense strength. The Pirate Nation is stronger for having Kristen in it! I will forever be impressed by her persistence in the face of an unthinkable challenge and recommend her for consideration.