Kirsten entered the field of social work bringing a unique perspective from her experiences in military culture as well as the performing and cinematic arts. Serving as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, she worked as a Respiratory Therapist in military treatment facilities. She earned her MSW from USC and has a strong passion for serving and benefiting the military and veteran connected populations.

Kirsten has been active in the caregiving community, where she has participated in educational and recreational classes to support caregivers of those who are injured during their military career. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered with the Alabama Head Injury Foundation and co-created and co-led a virtual Caregiver Support Group. Her goal is to participate and encourage further research within the military and veteran connected populations to provide the highest quality of life to those who serve.

At the University of Alabama, Kirsten served as the president of the Alpha Chapter of Eta Omega Pi, a fraternity for military affiliated individuals and supporters. She also served as the Project Director for the Greater Birmingham Veterans Needs Assessment. In 2020, Kirsten earned the Outstanding Commitment to Service Award at the University of Alabama School of Social Work.

In 2021, Kirsten became the inaugural HillVets & Wounded Warrior Project fellow in Washington D.C. She served as a policy fellow for the For Country Caucus before stepping into the role of a policy fellow for the WWP Government Affairs team.

In 2022, Kirsten was named as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow representing the state of Alabama. She received the fellowship for her work in advocacy and for being a caregiver for her spouse, a Purple Heart Recipient who began their gender transition in 2022.

Have a question, comment, or just want to say ‘hello’? Please fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thanks!