Kristen is a third-year doctoral student in the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado State University in 2011. She earned her Master of Social Work degree with a Certificate in Mental Health from the University of Pittsburgh in 2017. She is interested in better understanding the challenges faced by caregivers of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She is working to develop novel ways of supporting families through research, policy, and practice.

Kristen has worked with children with ASD and their families in various capacities since graduating from Colorado State University. These include having provided intensive one-on-one interventions, behavioral consultation, and developed supportive transitional programs for adolescents. She also served as a research coordinator for a study of specialized inpatient units for individuals with developmental disabilities, which provided invaluable information about children with ASD, family adjustment, and standards of inpatient health care in the Pittsburgh area.

Kristen is excited for the next year as a LEND trainee and eager to develop stronger community and family partnerships. She is also looking forward to leadership and advocacy training that will assist her in becoming a greater advocate for families.