Kristen graduated from Park University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology. She worked as a Social Worker in a hospital setting. In 2017 she graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University with a Masters's Degree in Social Work, with an emphasis on Latino families. Working in District 20 as a School Social Worker, Kristen assisted in opening a new Affective Needs program serving students diagnosed with Serious Emotional Disability and trauma. She now works for Academy District Twenty as a Therapist in their Family Resource Center.