First and foremost, Kristen is a beloved child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ. She is a December 2023 graduate of Luther Seminary’s Distance Learning program. She served her internship at Christ Lutheran Church, Dallas, TX, and completed her Christian Public Leader field work at Peace Lutheran Church in
Beavercreek, OH. She served at Kettering Hospital’s Main campus for her Clinical Pastoral Education. She learned more about how to be a pastor and live in liminal spaces during that experience than any other, before or since.
Kristen isn’t a second career pastor, more like fourth career. Before finally answering God’s call, she owned a yarn store, managed and wrote proposals for
federal contracts, performed various other duties as assigned for several defense contractors, and taught in many different environments. Kristen holds a bachelor’s
degree in human services from the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a master’s in education from Mercer University. She is on track to complete her
Spiritual Direction certification (2yr. program) through Metagem in Huntsville, AL, in February 2025.
Kristen and her husband, Derek, share two children (with wonderful partners) and two grandchildren. They have been married for 42 years and have moved more times than they care to count. More than anything, they are aware of and grateful for God’s love, mercy, and provision throughout their lives. Thanks be to God!