Meet Kristen
Physician Assistant
About
I have known that I wanted to be a PA since the age of 17.
I received my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from St. Francis University in Loretto, PA with a minor in American Sign Language. I was a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Academic Honor Society for Catholic Universities, the American Sign Language Honor Society, and Phi Eta Sigma National Academic Honor Society.
I continued my education at St. Francis, obtaining a master’s degree in physician assistant sciences. I received the MPAS Graduate Student Award for the Class of 2021 and was inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society for Physician Assistants.
Following graduation, I completed a fellowship in Emergency Medicine and Urgent Care Telemedicine with MUSC before finding and falling in love with functional medicine in 2022. From there, I dove headfirst into functional medicine, and I have never looked back. I have completed additional training in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy through the BHRT Training Academy and The Academy of Preventive and Innovative Medicine. I have also completed coursework through Functional Medicine University.
Why Functional Medicine?
In 2022, I was driven by a desire to address and support the many uncontrolled diseases I had seen in the ER and their long-term effects. This mission became even more personal in 2023 when I went through my own health challenges, including a mold exposure in my apartment and an unexpected flare-up of Hashimoto’s disease.
Through these experiences, I’ve come to appreciate functional medicine on a deeper level. I believe there is a time and place for conventional medicine, such as the lifesaving work that is done in the ER every day or necessary operations. But to me, functional medicine represents the future of long-term health care—a shift away from just managing symptoms and prescriptions towards a true partnership in health.
Functional medicine takes a holistic approach, looking at every aspect of a person’s life: mind, body, symptoms, labs, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental exposures, nervous system, etc. It’s not just a practice, but a way of life that promotes continuous growth and learning. Once you personally experience its benefits, it’s hard to turn back. It’s about building a toolkit for your health, with lifestyle and nutrition as its core pillars.
It simply makes sense.
How do you take care of yourself?
I love practicing hot yoga regularly, where I get to enjoy a great mix of classic yoga with strength/power style workouts. I’ve also developed a habit of incorporating what I call “health bites” into my daily routine—little, simple choices like taking the stairs instead of the elevator to stay active and make healthier decisions. Having spent 14 years as a competitive swimmer including through college, I’ve found joy in discovering a new balance in my training and exercise routine.
Cooking most of my meals at home is something I love to do, though I’m also a foodie who loves a good meal out every now and then. I enjoy taking walks with my dog, prioritizing sleep, and nurturing relationships with my loved ones. I truly believe that you grow what you water.
What areas in your life do you see opportunities for growth?
I’m someone who thrives on to-do lists—I constantly create and add things to my to-do list in my head. While this habit kept me organized through school and sports, I’ve realized now it can make it hard for me to take the time I need to rest and recharge. I often feel like I have to tackle the next item on my list before I can fully unwind (and, spoiler alert, there’s almost always a “next item”).
I’m learning to listen to my body’s signals for rest, recognize when tasks can wait, and make space in my schedule for downtime to be as unproductive as possible. It’s a definite work in progress, but I’m committed to finding a balance between productivity and relaxation.
Your family:
I’m the second of four siblings—two girls and two boys—all born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. My older sister is currently working towards her doctoral degree in electrical engineering at the University of Tennessee. My brother serves as a Combat Systems Officer in the U.S. Air Force. My youngest brother is studying computer science at the University of Tennessee and is a remarkably talented sketch artist.
Our mom was a lawyer by trade before embracing the role of a stay-at-home mom after my youngest brother was born. I’m incredibly grateful for the time we had with her and how she was able to be so deeply involved in our childhoods. She is now learning how to be a professional dog trainer. Our dad manages a small business that publishes a newsletter focused on river transportation and barges. I deeply appreciate the relentless drive and commitment he instilled in us to always do our best.
At home, I have an adorable trouble-maker named Knox, who is an energetic collie mix. He’s always ready for a chat (I have never heard a dog have so much to say), loves to snuggle, and enjoys our beach walks together.
Favorite book:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Top played song on your Spotify account:
I don’t think there is a single one, but my go-to “feeling happy” tunes are classics like Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra. Oh and some show tunes — I love a good power ballad.
Favorite quote:
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost