As a College Advancement Mentor for the Gateway Scholars Program, Kristin coaches and empowers students through their educational journey from high school to college and through to graduation. Additional responsibilities include: overseeing the transition of students from high school to college, collaborating with College and Career Advisors at targeted high schools,communicating and building relationships with college and university representatives in admissions, financial aid offices, and student support services, monitoring student progress, collecting and analyzing student data, and building and maintaining student relationships to provide social, emotional, and academic support.

Kristin has worked in the field of education for 16 years. Her area of expertise is international education. She has previously held positions with non-profits, colleges, and universities across the country, from Vermont to Washington to Kentucky. In 2011 she moved to Chattanooga for a position at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she worked for five years. Kristin is actively involved in volunteer leadership roles at the city, state, regional, and national levels with a focus on projects involving access and equity in education. She has a BA in international relations from American University and an MA in international education from the SIT Graduate Institute. Kristin is a first generation college student and PELL grant recipient herself, a product of public education, and a lifelong advocate for public education.

Originally from Minnesota, Kristin is a northerner at heart but loves her adopted community here in Chattanooga, despite the humidity. She has two kids who both attend Battle Academy. Her husband Nick is also an educator and works in the Hamilton County Schools. In her spare time she can be found traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors.