Kristen received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and neuroscience from Allegheny College and her master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Dayton.  Prior to joining the Mercyhurst Civic Institute in 2007, Kristen worked as a mental health therapist with adolescents. She is a key contact for the Civic Institute’s child welfare contract, overseeing the program evaluations for community-based programming funded by the Office of Children and Youth. Her work focuses on projects, programs, and collaboratives supporting youth and families. Kristen has extensive experience with program evaluation, data analysis, questionnaire design, writing special reports, prevention planning, and editing documents.