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Kristen earned a master's degree in intercultural relations from Lesley University in Boston. She is originally from Michigan, where she completed her bachelor's degree in international relations at Grand Valley State University and studied abroad in Poland and Mexico. Kristen has participated in the Chancellor's Emerging Leaders Program and NAFSA Management Development Program. She has served NAFSA Region IV as the international student and scholar services representative and the international student and scholar services regulatory ombudsperson. She is also a NAFSA Trainer Corps member and enjoys training new professionals in the field. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys woodworking and hiking, and also teaches a women's self-defense course.