As Vice President of Social Science and Impact, Kristen works alongside DoGoodery’s partners to lead the strategic direction of projects and initiatives using an evidence-based approach. With a substantive background in environmental solutions that benefit people and communities, she also serves as Head of Social and Environmental Research for the Gente Buena Foundation.

Prior to these roles, Kristen served as the Research Manager for the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), overseeing the organization’s research projects, evaluation capacity building, and professional development initiatives with university and federal partners. Kristen honed her commitment to strengthening connections between people and nature working as a park ranger and Master Naturalist in coastal Florida, where she later helped lead community-based oyster reef and shoreline restoration projects, conducted research on engaging dismissive audiences in environmental behavior, and co-managed education and Extension activities for a coordinated $25M USDA NIFA project among 11 universities and 8 research cooperatives focused climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Kristen has published in several peer-reviewed journals and has co-authored numerous award-winning publications translating research findings into practical applications for environmental and social impact practitioners and program managers. With a foot in research, evaluation, and practice (if she had three feet), Kristen is passionate about understanding the complexities of social systems and human behavior to shape a more connected, equitable, and sustainable world.