Hi, I’m Katie O’Brien.

I’m an art teacher, author, and creative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience helping students build confidence, creativity, and emotional awareness through art.

I’m also a TEDx speaker, where I shared my talk “Presence is the Gateway to Creativity,” centered on the idea that when we slow down and disconnect from constant distractions, we create space for deeper thinking, imagination, and self-discovery.

In my classroom, I’ve seen firsthand how much kids are navigating internally and how powerful simple tools like mindfulness and creativity can be in helping them feel grounded and confident.

Beyond teaching, I create and share art-based resources for educators and families, including lesson plans, watercolor kits, and social-emotional learning activities designed to inspire meaningful, creative experiences.

I created Dorie to help children:

Feel safe in their emotions
Express themselves
Build a positive inner voice

This book is an extension of what I teach every day in my classroom—and what I believe every child deserves: the tools to slow down, be present, and feel confident in who they are.