A teacher’s role is to create a safe and challenging environment, where students learn to question the world around them, and are supported in developing into the people they want to be.”
Kristin’s Story
Teaching Discipline
Biology and Earth Science
Why Science
Science is a lens through which we observe and come to understand of the beautiful and wonderful world around us. I believe that all students deserve the opportunity to experience and understand their worlds.
Professional Experience
With a goal of teaching at the collegiate level in mind, Kristin started working as a Research Technician at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to gain more experience before enrolling in graduate studies. She worked in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division of the center, conducting research on the immunological response to HSV-2 infection in mice, as well as memory t-cell development with model pathogens.
Though she was successful in this position, she was anxious to return to the classroom. Seeking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, she decided to pursue a career in secondary education.
After student teaching at the Seattle World School in Seattle, Washington, Kristin spent 4 years at the Denver School of Science and Technology Green Valley Ranch, where she taught Biology and A.P. Biology. In this setting, she honed instructional skills in the classroom, developing resources that focused on inquiry and literacy. Her roles as department chair and Biology content lead for the district helped her develop as a teacher leader. More than tangible tools or skills, this experience gave Kristin an incredible sense of community and belonging.
In 2019, Kristin moved to Helena, Montana and spent one year teaching 9th grade Earth Science at Helena High School and two years teaching 6th grade Earth Science at Helena Middle School. She developed highly collaborative relationships with other teachers, as part of another tight-knight community. She supported students outside the classroom as a coach for Science Olympiad, National Science Bowl, and Outdoors Club.
In 2022 she welcomed her first daughter, followed by a second in 2024. Kristin currently chooses to stay at home and be her childrens’ first teacher while she contemplates her next move.
Special Recognition
In 2014, Kristin became a published author (Zehn, D., Roepke, S., Weakly, K., Bevans, M. & Prlic, M. (2014). Inflammation and TCR Signal Strength Determine the Breadth of the T Cell Response in a Bim-Dependent Manner. Journal of Immunology, 192(1), 200–205.).
Hobbies
Kristin enjoys outdoor activities, including mountain biking and rock climbing.
Academic Background
- University of Washington (Master in Teaching)
- Gonzaga University (Bachelor of Science in Biology)