All About Ms. O'Brien
My name is Kelly O'Brien. I am a native Floridian! I was born in Clearwater, FL and moved to Sarasota when I was two! I went to Gocio Elementary for kindergarten. For first through sixth grades, I went to St. Martha's Catholic School. After 6 years in private school, I finally got back into the public school system! I attended McIntosh Middle School for 7th and 8th grades. For high school, I attended SARASOTA HIGH....GO SAILORS! After high school, I went on to college at Manatee Community College, where I received my AA degree. From MCC, I went to the University of South Florida....GO BULLS, where I received a BS degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. In 1999, I went back to school to get my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction through National Louis University.
My Teaching Experience
My first teaching job was at Gibsonton Elementary School, in Hillsborough County. I taught 2nd grade for four years. After 4 years in Hillsborough County, I decided to come home to Sarasota. I have been teaching in Sarasota County for the past 25 years. I taught first grade ESOL for a year and kindergarten for 10 years at Tuttle Elementary. I have been at Tatum Ridge for the past 15 years. While at Tatum Ridge, I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade and have been an Intervention Teacher.
More About Me
I have one son, Cody. He graduated from Sarasota Virtual Academy in 2021! He is a gamer in his spare time. We love spending time with family and friends, especially at Disney and in the mountains of North Carolina. Friday nights we can usually be found at Bayfront Park for dinner and walks. It's our new tradition since we lost Cody's father in November of 2017.
Family 
I am a big sports fan. I am a die hard DOLPHINS' fan through and through! I love college football and always cheer on my alma mater GO BULLS and where I wanted to go to school GO NOLES! When it comes to baseball, I live for Spring Training when I can go to Clearwater and watch my PHILLIES...I know...there's always next year. Since the Phillies only make it here once in a blue moon to play the Tampa Bay Rays, I enjoy cheering for the Rays. I have loved hockey for years. GO Lightning!
In my free time, I enjoy shopping with friends, and spending time with my family at DISNEY! I love surprising students at the parks or resorts. It has been fun the last few years having so many families with passes. We do love cruising with friends during Spring Break and in the Summer!
It's a FAMILY TRADITION! GO SAILORS
My brother and me at alumni game. Cody and me when I was training him to
be a SAILOR!