Irene Nissen, B.Sc.

Director of Technology and Operations

I did not follow a traditional path to working in the K–12 world. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Restaurant and Resort Management from Colorado State University with the intent to work in the hospitality industry. After several years working in hotels and entertainment, I realized that my heart was not in that world as I once thought. I gradually made my way into K–12 education through school libraries and technology support.

I have spent the last decade of my career learning about and supporting all aspects of technology integration and innovation in the K–12 sector. I firmly believe that by meaningfully integrating technology in the classroom, I can help facilitate learning opportunities in which students create meaningful connections, spark lifelong interests, and develop 21st-century skills that are imperative for success in the workplace.

During my career as a K–12 Technology in Education Leader, I have had the opportunity to provide direction during three separate school expansion projects, including interior design work, low-voltage and network mapping, and new construction oversight.

Another area of passion for me is entrepreneurship and business education. While pursuing my master’s degree in Educational Leadership, I decided to earn my teaching license in secondary business education. In high school, I was recognized as one of the Young Entrepreneurs of the Year by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship for the video production studio I co-founded and ran for five years as a student. I have since presented numerous sessions throughout Northern Colorado on youth entrepreneurship education, technology infrastructure optimization, effective technology integration, cyber safety, and 21st-century learning.

I LOVE being part of the team at Compass and deeply believe in the school’s mission to inspire curiosity and creativity, encourage an entrepreneurial spirit, and foster a lifelong love of learning.