Women's History Month

Today, for the "Women's History Month" Campaign we are celebrating this fabulous woman:

Meet Colleen Doiron, 39, wife, Mother of 3, Great friend and a Special Education Coordinator.

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

Colleen grew up in a small town called Winthrop, Massachusetts. She has been living in Maine for 13 years now.

Colleen graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2008 with a Bachelor's degree in communication sciences and disorders and a minor in deaf studies. In 2013, received a Master's degree from Boston University in Deaf Education. In 2018, she completed her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Endicott College.

For the last 8 years, Colleen has been working as the Special Education Coordinator at Biddeford Middle School. She oversees staffing and programming for their special education population.

Life challenges and how did you overcome them?

One life experience that has shaped me profoundly is raising my daughter, who was first diagnosed with Autism and later with ADHD. What initially felt overwhelming has become one of the most meaningful sources of mental and emotional growth in my life. As someone well-versed in the field of special education, her diagnosis left me unexpectedly uncertain. I knew I had the knowledge, skills, and strategies to support her, yet I felt paralyzed by the weight of the challenges she might face. Professional understanding did not shield me from the vulnerability of being her mother. I went from being the person who supported parents and teachers regularly with these challenges to being the one on the other side of the fence. This experience has not only changed me personally, but has also given me a deeper professional understanding of how to best support families navigating similar situations.

Through my daughter, I have learned patience in its truest form. Emotionally, I have grown more empathetic and resilient. Where I once tended to be reactive, I have learned to pause, breathe, and respond with intention. Mentally, I have become more flexible. Plans change. Strategies evolve. What works one day may not work the next—and that’s okay. As a family, we have grown more adaptable and durable together.

Her honesty, intensity, humor, and passion remind me daily that we can do hard things and that everything will be okay. I no longer fear the uncertainty of her future. Through her grit and fierce self-advocacy, she has shown me that she is capable, determined, and more than ready to navigate her own path.

Life achievements?

There are many achievements in my life that I am proud of. Some may seem surface-level now, but each one held meaning for me at a particular time. One particular achievement that has had a ripple effect on my life has been my understanding of what it means to be a leader, and how it has evolved significantly over time.

When I was younger, I viewed leadership as being the best — the fastest runner, the highest scorer, the loudest voice. Over time, experience reshaped that belief. In college, I was named captain of a Division I track team my junior year and again my senior year. No one was more surprised than I was. I wasn’t the fastest, nor did I jump the highest or farthest. In fact, I wasn’t even in the middle of the pack. What my coach saw, however, was my ability to bring people together. I built relationships across the team and learned how to lead from whatever lane I was in. That experience fundamentally shifted my perspective. Leadership was not about standing out — it was about lifting others up. It motivated me to be better and to do better, whether competing in the race or cheering from the sidelines.

Professionally, I have grown into a role that allows me to support families, students, and colleagues in ways that help them feel safe, valued, and heard. Personally, I strive to bring those same qualities into my home, alongside my husband, ensuring that our children feel secure, respected, and supported through our modeling of kindness and empathy.

What are your passions?

I am passionate about teaching kids about kindness and inclusion. I’m fortunate to be in a position where my colleagues and I have the opportunity to work with students regularly to improve on this in our school and within our community.

What do you value the most in life?

I deeply value and appreciate my family and friends. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more intentional about the people I surround myself with. I choose to be around those with good intentions, who love to laugh, and who might occasionally dance to a great song or two with me.

Words of Wisdom for other women:

Speak up. Take up space. Only be apologetic when you have to be.

Surround yourself with those people who have your back and have good intentions.

Your time, your voice, and your opinion matter. Use them wisely.

Go out with your favorite people, dance to your favorite songs, and laugh until you cry. I promise, you’ll feel better.

Here is one more of Colleen's Favorite quotes:

"Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don't do it just for yourself.

You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived."

- Ruth Bader Ginsberg

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Thank you, Colleen, for sharing your story and empowering others!