About Kristen
Hello, I’m Kristen
I am incredibly passionate and purposeful in the work that I do and am consistently amazed at the resilience and strength people bring forth as they confront some of the most challenging experiences and emotions in their lives. I enjoy seeing the resiliency across the lifespan in smaller children up to older adults.
I studied at Middle Tennessee State University where I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with concentrations in Mental Health Services and Social Welfare. I continued my education at California State University Long Beach where I earned my Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Child and Family Wellbeing. I am currently licensed with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LCSW#96901), am certified in Thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement), and am a member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling.
Over the past 16 years, I have studied the psychology of humans and how we connect and relate to each other. I have worked in a variety of settings, including schools, hospices, hospitals, bereavement programs, and national not-for-profit organizations which has offered me the opportunity to serve a variety of unique communities each with different needs. I have worked in both individual and group settings - supporting adults, teens and children through transitional periods, emotional regulation, processing grief and learning how to integrate major losses into their lives with a focus on improved functioning. Working with families to be healthy and function collectively is where my passion lies.
My role is to journey alongside you with a supportive, non-judgmental presence. I believe that each person is the expert in their own journeys and that growth occurs through a therapeutic relationship that focuses on a shared learning approach. Together, we will navigate your life experiences and begin to explore coping strategies and tools that fit you and your families’ needs. My passion and purpose is to make a positive difference in the lives of others by allowing organic growth. I look forward to connecting with you and engaging a new journey together.
Licensure
California Licensed Clinical Social Worker #96901
Certifications
Certified in Thanatology - study of death, dying, & bereavement
Memberships
Association of Death Education and Counseling
Education
Master of Social Work, California State University Long Beach
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Middle Tennessee State University
Specialized Training
Volunteer Adult Grief Group Facilitator - Providence
Teen Grief Group Facilitator - The Gathering Place
Children’s Grief Group Facilitator - New Hope Grief
Camp Volunteer, Big Buddy - Comfort Zone Camp