"My faith has had a tremendous impact upon my work. Jesus placed a great emphasis on compassion, healing, and on helping people become whole. I try to follow this example in my work. I have had the unique opportunity to help others begin the healing process, and provide them with some of the tools they need to feel whole. Now I can help equip students to do the same."
Kristen's Career Journey
Kristen has previously worked as an Activities Therapist at Philhaven Psychiatric Hospital doing group therapy with adults, and similarly she worked at The Keystone Center (Harrisburg, PA), as a Therapist, doing group therapy, individual therapy, and treatment planning. She also worked at Metropolitan Day School (Richmond, VA) as a Counselor, doing group therapy, individual therapy, treatment planning, and intake assessments with adolescents. Her most recent previous position was a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program Manager at Community Counseling Services (Columbus, MS), developing and maintaining a program for approximately 30 psychiatrically disabled individuals, to improve their social, educational, and vocational skills. In all of her past jobs, Kristen has worked with people who are influenced greatly by their environment and their families. She is grateful for the understanding of families and development that the Human Development and Family Science program has provided her.
Working as an Adjunct Professor
Kristen teaches Family Resource Management and Adult Development for the HDFS Department at Messiah College. She loves having the opportunity to interact with the students, encourage them to think about their future careers, and learn ways to help better themselves and the community around them.