Meet Our Leadership

Allison Sullivan is the proud principal of Bear Canyon Elementary School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Her deep roots with the Bear Canyon Community began over a decade ago in 2011 when her oldest son started Kindergarten at BCE.  In 2012, she joined the staff as a classroom teacher. Her passion for education and dedication to students quickly stood out, and in 2013, she stepped into the role of assistant principal. In 2022, she was honored to become the school’s principal—a role she embraces with heart, vision, and a strong commitment to the school community.

Allison is known for her hands-on leadership style and her unique ability to connect personally with every student. She makes it a priority to learn every student's name, fostering a culture of belonging and respect throughout the school. Her approachable nature and student-first mindset create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their potential.

Education runs deep in Allison’s family. Her husband is a counselor in the Douglas County School District, and together they share a profound understanding of the importance of social-emotional development and academic growth in young learners. As a parent of two sons, Allison also brings a family-focused perspective to her leadership, always considering what’s best for students and their families.

With a strong background in instructional leadership, Allison works collaboratively with teachers, staff, and families to ensure Bear Canyon continues to be a place of excellence, innovation, and kindness. She believes that every child deserves to feel safe, inspired, and challenged at school—and she leads Bear Canyon with those values in mind each day.

Bear Canyon Bears…. What a privilege it is to be part of this community! I taught in Littleton Public Schools for 4 years and at Jeffco Public Schools for 13 years.  I have taught in 3rd, 4th, and mostly 6th grade classrooms.  My last 4 years, prior to coming to Bear Canyon, were at the Jeffco Public Schools District office working with developing curriculum and enhancing the capacity of teachers with professional development opportunities. One recent opportunity that I’m proud of was an invitation last November to present at a national conference in Nashville on integrating literacy across the content areas, which is a passion of mine. 

I am a 3rd generation native to Colorado and spent my school years in the north metro area. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for over 30 years.  Our son served in the USAF as a biochemist and is now in medical school here in Colorado.  He got married in 2019 in Oklahoma. His wife is a pharmacist and manager in Aurora. Our daughter is in medical school in Knoxville, Tennessee where we love to travel and explore.  I enjoy playing and watching a variety of sports.  I also enjoy all kinds of music, dancing, and eating desserts.  Working in my yard provides me calmness and peace. My faith, family and friends fill my bucket outside of school.  

An Assistant Principal position is an important part of a school. Some of the things I will be doing include:

• Helping our teachers use student performance data to plan instruction
• Guiding students with restorative  behaviors and practices
• Helping to implement district initiatives around safety, personalized learning and more
• Coaching and evaluating some of our amazing teachers

And, supporting our staff with guiding, teaching and caring for your outstanding students. 

I am very honored to hold this role and be a Bear Canyon Bear. Please feel free to contact me if I may be of assistance.
“Make someone smile every day!”