Kathleen O’Hare
Senior Project Lead
With Māori and Scottish ancestry, Kathleen's identity is formed by the values of both cultures and her experiences growing up and working in the Porirua East community. These influences have instilled in her a deep commitment to equity, transformative education, and culturally responsive leadership. She believes every learner deserves the opportunity to thrive in an educational system that honours identity, fosters inclusion, and embraces innovation.
With expertise in leadership, educational systems change, strategic planning, and professional inquiry, Kathleen is dedicated to transforming schools into spaces where educators and students grow, lead, and succeed together.
At ThirdStory, Kathleen plays a pivotal role in supporting the transformation of school systems in Bermuda. She applies her expertise in co-design, teacher inquiry, and relational leadership to ensure that education is student-centered, community-driven, and culturally grounded. Drawing on her unique skill set, she helps local stakeholders reimagine learning models, integrating indigenous wisdom, Te Ao Māori principles, and international best practices to create sustainable change.
Before joining ThirdStory, Kathleen built an extensive career in education, spanning over 35 years. She has served as Principal at Ngāti Toa School and Maraeroa School, leading significant transformations in school culture, pedagogy, and collective vision. At Ngāti Toa, she guided a comprehensive cultural reset, embedding Te Ao Māori at the heart of the school’s purpose, while fostering a high-trust, collaborative teaching environment.
Prior to these leadership roles, Kathleen has worked as a Deputy Principal, university lecturer, leadership coach, and curriculum advisor, contributing to education both nationally and internationally. Her passion for professional inquiry, relational leadership, and bicultural frameworks continues to shape her approach to education systems change.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) from Victoria University and a Diploma in Te Reo Māori/Heke Reo Māori from Te Wānanga o Raukawa. Her leadership development includes participation in the Leading Edge Programme, Aspiring Principals’ Programme, and Beginning Principals’ Programme. As a member of the Curriculum Voices Group, she has provided strategic insight into the New Zealand Curriculum refresh, advocating for inclusive and culturally responsive education.
Kathleen’s ability to bring people together, build purposeful leadership teams, and transform educational communities makes her an invaluable force in shaping education for equity, impact, and innovation.