Kristen has 18 years of experience in local government, supporting programs for individuals facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and involvement with the criminal justice system. For the past eight years, she has worked in public health emergency preparedness, integrating social work principles into public health and supporting the physical and psychological safety of first responders during large-scale public health emergencies. She has co-authored peer-reviewed articles on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and the equitable distribution of limited medical resources to vulnerable populations. She has contributed locally and nationally to projects that mitigate employee burnout and build resilience through peer support and engagement, and published toolkits. She also applies these principles as an adjunct professor in the online MSW program at Aurora University. Kristen currently serves as Director of Peer Support Services, supporting peer facilitator training, peer support groups, and chapter services.
Kristen earned undergraduate degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Iowa, followed by Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She is a licensed social worker (LSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and she holds a certificate in Crisis Incident Stress Management (CISM).
