Kristen graduated from the Clinical Psychology program at Eastern Kentucky University. She completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Kennedy Krieger Institute. There, Kristen specialized in providing individual and family therapy to children and teens with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder. She is eager to continue contributing to the community through therapeutic work as a therapist here at Heartwood.

Kristen's clinical experiences have focused on supporting children with various developmental differences, behavioral, and emotional difficulties. She also supports their families by providing parent training. Kristen currently works with children and teens addressing concerns such as anxiety, depressive disorders, family dynamic challenges, concerns for suicidality, ADHD, and autism.

Kristen prioritizes a tailored therapeutic approach as each client's presentation and needs are unique. She draws from her training in empirically supported therapeutic treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, parent coaching, parent child interaction therapy, and social skills training to target treatment goals. She values the importance of members of each client’s team, including their parents, other health providers, and teachers. She considers the team's insight and incorporates this into treatment. Additionally, Kristen appreciates a strengths based framework when conceptualizing and treatment planning for her clients. She believes a compassionate, and trusting rapport are necessary to achieve meaningful change in the therapeutic setting.