Ms. Kristen is a Speech-Language Pathologist at BDI Playhouse. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Augustana College (2016), and her Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Northern Iowa (2018). Kristen is a trained provider of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) and is a Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC). She is trained in PROMPT therapy, AEIOU feeding therapy, and has also received training in the area of Selective Mutism.
Outside of work, Kristen keeps a busy calendar with her husband, 2 children, and dog! She enjoys spreading positivity, planning social events with family and friends, and making people laugh. Kristen finds joy and purpose through bettering the communication and feeding abilities of children, and she is driven by her creative energy to develop therapy approaches that are unique to each client she works with!
What was your first job? Throughout my high school years, I was a nanny and an age group gymnastics coach. Hooray for finding a grown up career and workplace that allow me to pursue my passions for working with children and jumping on trampolines!
What is your favorite time of the day and why? The morning! I have always been a morning person. When I was young, my parents would bribe me with a half stick of gum or a tootsie roll if I could entertain myself quietly and let them sleep until 7:00 am. I am my most energetic and productive self in the morning, and I love to maximize my hours of daylight!
What is your favorite quote? “Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.”