Alive to thrive.

Take smart small steps to lasting positive change. Let me show you how—learn the secrets to personal success today!

take the step

INVITE TRANSFORMATIONAL INTELLIGENCE™

Guiding and championing positive change—and live the life you always envisioned.

GET STARTED

MY MISSION

“From stage, to classroom, to coaching, I bring my academic expertise, transformation framework, and hard-won insights so that you can make compounding change.”

ABOUT

Mason County Farm Bureau: Havana, IL
Women’s Retreat: Eagan, MN
Women’s Retreat: Lake Geneva, WI
Illinois Farm Bureau, Young Leader Conference: East Peoria, IL
4 hour masterclass hosted by Dr. Kristen: Peoria, IL
Princeville Community School District, Princeville, IL &
Galva School District, Galva, IL
Positive Growth Lounge: Virtual Guest Presenter
Knox County Farm Bureau: Galesburg, IL
Dunlap Community School District, Dunlap, IL
West Central Junior High School, Stronghurst, IL
Elmwood Community School District, Elmwood, IL
Galesburg Junior High School, Galesburg, IL
ScentAir's Global Diversity & Inclusion Day
Illinois Theta, Phi Beta Phi Sorority
Bradley University, Peoria, IL
2024 Literacy Summit, Eureka College, Eureka, IL
Level Up Wellness Retreat, Dripping Springs, TX

2024-2025
Event Calendar

Browse Dr. Kristen’s recent and upcoming events & appearances. Sessions with ** are open to the public. Sign-up and say hi!

Keynotes & Workshops

Leading with Wellness: The Secret to Peak Performance

The best leaders don’t just work harder—they take care of themselves smarter. This power-packed keynote delivers a compelling message for today’s professionals: peak performance begins with wellness. Dr. Kristen combines real-life case studies, research, and personal experience to show how small, smart steps in physical, emotional, and intellectual wellness can lead to greater resilience, sharper decision-making, and sustainable success—without burnout. Designed to inspire and equip, this session provides practical strategies that attendees can immediately apply to their lives and work. Whether you're leading a team, a classroom, or an organization, this keynote empowers individuals to lead with clarity, energy, and purpose.
Rooted in Purpose: A Guide to Thriving in Every Season

In this keynote, Dr. Kristen shares her journey of navigating career, family, and personal growth while learning how to thrive—not just survive—through life’s changing seasons. Through compelling storytelling and practical strategies, she reveals the power of mindset shifts, purposeful living, and prioritizing wellness to create meaningful momentum in both work and life. Attendees will leave feeling energized, encouraged, and equipped to reconnect with their purpose—so they can lead with intention, show up fully, and thrive in every area of their life. Perfect for organizations looking to motivate their teams, strengthen culture, and promote well-being with heart and authenticity.
Own Your MAGIC: How Women Can Lead Authentically and Boldly

True leadership isn’t about doing more—it’s about owning your strengths, setting intentional boundaries, and leading with confidence. In this inspiring keynote, Dr. Kristen challenges the perfectionism, overachieving, and self-doubt that often hold women back, helping them break free from the pressure to do it all. She shares practical, actionable strategies to lead with clarity, energy, and authenticity—without sacrificing well-being. Attendees will walk away with her M.A.G.I.C. framework, a powerful tool to stop playing small and start leading boldly. You don’t have to change who you are to lead—you just have to step into your magic.

Empowerment

· Integrity

· Community

· Empowerment · Integrity · Community ·

Authenticity

· Family

· Growth

· Authenticity · Family · Growth ·

BOOK ME

“Dr. Kristen is the leader that individuals across the country need in their corner. Her ability to communicate, teach, guide and transform is unparalleled.”

-Jaden J., Preston, ID
“Dr. Kristen spoke at a health & fitness retreat, and I loved how her storytelling abilities wove an empowering journey of finding her “why” in life. It helped me to see where I was stuck in my own life and understand why my current career was no longer serving me.”

-Leslie B., Burr Ridge, IL
“Dr. Kristen has an amazing balance of being polished and professional, while maintaining a warm, approachable demeanor that makes her so relatable to the audience.”

-Paul L, Dripping Springs, TX
“The Empowered Ascent Program gave me the opportunity to finally put myself first. I’ve realized that no one is coming to live my life for me, and that mindset has given me the chance to take back control of my health and my personal goals."

-Kerry H., Peoria, IL
"Dr. Kristen helped me find my voice and take the steps I needed, so I could achieve a life-long dream of telling my story."

- Lauren Koenig, Co-Author, “Lady Liberty”
“I started Empowered Ascent tired and worn out from always pushing so hard in my career. This program gave me the chance to stop and ask myself ‘what do I really want?’ I learned how to give myself permission to do things my way and create routines for my lifestyle. Within a few weeks, I felt lighter and healthier in mind, body, and soul.”

-Tiffany S., Galesburg, IL