Kristen works at the intersection of law, mediation, and trauma-informed approaches to healing and wellness, and has worked with Indigenous and tribal communities throughout her career. As co-owner of Arrow Creek Wellness, she designs and delivers experiential workshops integrating IFS, somatic practices, and conflict resolution principles, and also facilitates IFS work for individuals, couples, and people seeking relational support.  

 

Kristen is a Level 3 trained and Certified IFS Practitioner through the IFS Institute, with additional training in IFS couples and relational work ("Intimacy from the Inside Out" or IFIO) at the basic, advanced, and post-advanced levels. She has served as a Program Assistant for IFS Institute Level 1 and Level 2 trainings, including BIPOC and Indigenous-centered cohorts, and is on staff for IFIO trainings. She incorporates somatic and group work in her practice, having participated in an IFS Healing Circles workshop and Somatic IFS retreats, trained in Somatic Experiencing, and completed sound healing and singing bowl therapy training through the Atma Buti Sound and Vibrational School. 

 

As a partner at Arrow Creek Law & Mediation, she has advised Indian tribal governments on employment law, tribal employment rights (TERO), Indian preference in employment and contracting, tax, probate, contracts and grants, and tribal legislation. She is a Certified Mediator with Family Designation through the Montana Mediation Association, providing facilitative mediation services, and co-teaches 40-hour mediation fundamentals courses for the Center for Collaborative Solutions. Earlier in her career she was a clinical instructor and supervising research attorney with the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at Michigan State University College of Law, an adjunct professor of law, and a judicial law clerk for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Kristen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Communication in 1995, and her Juris Doctor and Master of Philosophy in 2001.

 

Kristen is passionate about the profound healing possible with the IFS model for individuals, groups, and communities. She values its respectful and collaborative approach, including integration of legacy and cultural aspects in working with Indigenous communities. Kristen has a particular interest in relational work, including conflict resolution and relationship building, amid the deepening polarizations seen throughout society. Her work is oriented toward shifting from adversarial paradigms to collaboration and respect for all peoples and helping foster understanding and healing for individuals and communities.