Kristen has worked with children and their families for more than 20 years in a variety of capacities, including as a teacher, Federal agency education advisor, college administrator, and in family support for Birth to Five Programs. Kristen serves as Maryland’s Ambassador for both the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. and DEC/ECTA Recommended Practices programs, leads PPMD’s Baby LEADers parent training program and other early childhood initiatives, and participates in numerous state-level committees, working groups, and other collaborative efforts to improve the outcomes of Maryland’s youngest residents and their families. At the state level, Kristen serves as a Parent Member of the State Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers; locally, she is Chair of the St. Mary’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education (CACSE) and received the 2022 Volunteer Award from the St. Mary’s County Commission for People with Disabilities. Kristen resides in St. Mary’s County with her husband and young son with multiple disabilities.