Miss Kristin graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health and minors in Geography and Human Rights.

While pursing her degree, she interned with a youth photography program, which mentored at-risk youth, and also taught grade K-5 students gardening and nutrition lessons on an urban farm. These experiences made her passionate about working with youth and realize the empowerment and confidence that can come from the creative process!

After graduating, she served as an AmeriCorps member in Seattle public elementary schools, helping promote health and wellness through art, reading, cooking, gardening, and sports. She continued to work with youth as an after-school counselor at the Sacajawea Boys and Girls Club.

She most recently taught English and coordinated cultural exchange events at two high schools and an elementary school in a rural mountain town in Nara Prefecture, Japan. She lived and taught there for two years and had an incredible time learning about Japanese culture and building friendships with the people in her community.

She is currently a graduate school student at San Jose State University, pursuing a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Fun Facts:

Her hobbies include cooking, hiking, and painting!

Her favorite artist is Georgia O’Keefe

She loves to participate in running races and play ultimate frisbee

She has traveled to 14 countries

She has skydived twice

She can speak some Kansai-ben (Japanese slang)!