Who we are
At Guided Systems Design (GSD), we specialize in strategic educational transformation, helping schools and districts build cohesive, effective, and equity-driven systems that lead to real, measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Founded by Dr. Christine Olmstead, a nationally recognized expert in educational leadership, systems transformation, and instructional improvement, GSD is grounded in decades of research, practice, and innovation. Dr. Olmstead has over 25 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, site and district leadership, county and state-level executive roles, and technical assistance for school improvement.
Her leadership has reshaped how schools approach student achievement, collective efficacy, and continuous improvement. Through her expertise in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Deep Learning (Fullan & Quinn), GSD supports educators in designing inclusive, high-impact learning environments that serve every student.
Dr. Olmstead has led large-scale initiatives, including:
Scaling California’s MTSS framework statewide
Co-leading the development of California’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) guidance
Serving on the State Behavioral Health Task Force
Developing improvement strategies for school districts through the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE)
Her expertise in improvement science, instructional leadership, and policy implementation ensures that GSD partners with schools and districts to drive sustainable, systemic change.
GSD is built on the belief that real transformation happens when leaders are empowered with the right tools, strategies, and mindset. Whether it’s aligning instructional practices, developing strategic frameworks, or coaching leadership teams, GSD guides educators to create lasting impact.
Let’s design the future of education—together.
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