Kristen offers direct but empathic care. She believes that building a strong therapeutic alliance and empowering patients to be partners in their care is an essential foundation to treatment. Kristen uses a limited and cautious approach to controlled medications for management of certain psychiatric diagnosis. For patients requesting medication management with stimulants, she requires psychological testing, review of medical records, and discussions with therapists when appropriate. She believes medication should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose while utilizing the fewest number of medications. Kristen feels medication changes should be done slowly to minimize drug to drug interactions and side effects. She also stresses to her patients the benefits of eating healthy whole foods, time spent outdoors, and the importance of exercise in optimizing our mental and physical well-being.

Kristen received her bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2010, followed by her Master’s degree from Des Moines University in 2014.

Her hobbies and interests include spending time with family and friends, traveling, vacations at the cabin, cooking and reading.