About Kristen
Hello, I’m Kristen
Background & Experience
I am deeply passionate about supporting people through life’s most tender and challenging moments. I am continually inspired by the resilience individuals and families show as they navigate loss, transition, and emotional growth across the lifespan—from young children to older adults.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, with concentrations in Mental Health Services and Social Welfare, and my Master of Social Work from California State University, Long Beach, with a concentration in Child and Family Wellbeing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California (LCSW #96901), certified in Thanatology (the study of death, dying, and bereavement), and a member of the Association of Death Education and Counseling.
Over the past 16 years, my work has spanned schools, hospitals, hospices, bereavement programs, and national nonprofit organizations. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals, children, teens, and families through grief, trauma, emotional regulation, and major life transitions. Working with families—helping them heal, communicate, and function together—remains at the heart of my work.
What It’s Like to Work With Me
Therapy with me is collaborative, gentle, and grounded in compassion. I show up as a steady, non-judgmental presence and believe you are the expert in your own life. Our work together is strength-based, client-centered, and paced organically—hand in hand.
I take a curious and affirming approach, creating a space where you can come as you are. With children and families, I often integrate play therapy, storytelling, and creative exploration to support emotional regulation, resilience building, and healing. With adults, we explore life experiences, identity, and meaning—especially around grief, loss, and transition—while developing practical tools that align with your values and needs.
My goal is to offer a safe, loving, and inclusive space where authentic growth can unfold and where hard conversations feel possible.
Types of Clients I Work With
I work with:
Children (5+) and teens
Adults and older adults
Parents, guardians, and caregivers
Families navigating grief and loss
Parents/guardians parenting in grief
Children and teens experiencing grief or trauma
Individuals processing end-of-life needs and life transitions
Parents seeking coaching and support in grief/loss, life transitions,
I am especially drawn to supporting adults ready to engage in meaningful, sometimes difficult conversations, and children and teens who need a compassionate advocate and a safe, non-judgmental place to be heard.
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