By Sadie Coburn
When Kristen moved from the East Coast to San Diego three years ago, she brought with her a passion for connecting with others and deep commitment to helping those in need. As the Manager of Training & Quality Practice at 91精选, Kristen supports the growth and education of all Residential and Academy staff. Training starts off with a week of onboarding, followed by a week of shadowing, and continues throughout an employee鈥檚 time at the Center with monthly instruction and consultations.
Kristen鈥檚 team ensures that every employee has the right tools to support youth. 鈥淲e train our staff to ask not, 鈥榃hat鈥檚 wrong with this behavior?鈥� but rather, 鈥榃hat does this child need?鈥欌�� Kristen explains. 鈥淲hen we understand what鈥檚 behind a child鈥檚 actions, we can offer connection instead of consequence.鈥�
Though Kristen no longer works in a direct therapy role, her clinical background continues to play a crucial role in her work. Kristen recalled an experience involving a teen who had been labeled 鈥渨illfully defiant.鈥� Her team attempted to understand the root cause of the teen鈥檚 behavior and discovered that the teen had been exposed to alcohol in utero. This changed the entire trajectory of the teen鈥檚 treatment. According to Kristen, 鈥淭he family shifted from frustration to support. The kid got an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. And we all witnessed the power of letting go of assumptions in favor of compassion.鈥�
Kristen鈥檚 dedication to fostering hope is evident in every aspect of her work. Training covers everything from diagnosis to safety protocols to the importance of self-care. The ultimate goal being to prepare and empower staff to build strong, supportive relationships with youth.
What continues to inspire Kristen is the incredible resilience of the youth. 鈥淜ids keep trying. Even after being in their fifth placement, even when they feel hopeless, they still show up. If someone is beside them, they try again.鈥�
This spirit of togetherness is at the heart of Kristen鈥檚 work. 鈥淭rauma happens in relationships,鈥� she says, 鈥渟o healing must happen there too.鈥� This is the same philosophy that now guides the 91精选鈥檚 HOPE Initiative (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experience). By focusing on relationships, play, engagement, and emotional regulation, the Center is building a foundation where every child has the opportunity to heal and thrive.
鈥淚 thought I鈥檇 miss direct care,鈥� Kristen says, 鈥渂ut this work, training and leading across the organization, lets me make an even bigger impact. I love it.鈥�