My name is Kristen, and I am the Director here at Highlands Early Education Center (EEC). I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am continuing my education in Early Childhood development. I started my career in early childhood education in 2014 and made my way to Highlands in 2016. I worked as a preschool teacher in the Tiger room and was promoted to Assistant Director after 2 years and Director after 5 years. I have always had a passion for working with children and I am constantly amazed at how intuitive, curious, and creative they are. I am honored and grateful that I get to be a part of their growth at such a pivotal point in their development. The EEC has an incredible team of teachers that are dedicated to creating a caring, safe, and enriching learning environment for the children. My goal is to create an inclusive environment where teachers can express their creativity and continue to grow as educators.  

I grew up in Minnesota and moved to California when I was 18. I attended Fresno State University where I studied Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis. I worked one on one with children with special needs for 7 years before making my way to the Bay Area. I love hiking, shopping, going to movies and the beach and cheering on the Giants!