Kirsten believes that the most beautiful thing you can ever be is yourself. When she began working at Down Home Ranch in April 2018 as a Direct Support Professional, her favorite activity was teaching a cosmetology class to the Ranchers. Not only did she teach them how to style their hair, apply makeup and paint their nails, she also created a safe environment for them to share their secrets, jokes and concerns (just like any other beauty shop!).

Serving now as the ICF Program Manager, Kirsten has the skills and experience that make her a strong, compassionate and successful leader. She graduated from Sam Houston State in 2017 with a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration and joined the DHR team shortly after. Both of her grandmothers worked in the healthcare field, with one of them serving as a Director at a day program for adults with disabilities. Needless to say, her heart was made for this type of work!

Today you will find Kirsten assisting in managing the day-to-day residential programming, while also making time to still bond with her old cosmetology students. Up until the pandemic hit last year, she was doing weekly hair styling sessions with a few of the Ranchers (this was the highlight of her week!). Kirstens favorite part about her job today is helping the Ranchers set and implement their annual goals for the upcoming year. She also loves to country line dance with the Ranchers whenever the opportunity arises!

We are so thankful to have Kirsten on the DHR team actively making the Ranchers lives better every single day. The Better Together year-long campaign is aimed at sharing the beauty and strength behind the friendships made at Down Home Ranch. The stories told showcase how the mission of DHR brings people from all walks of life to stand together in community.