Since graduating from McMaster University in 2009 with a bachelor in Social Work and a bachelor in Gerontology, Kristina has worked at the Hamilton Children’s Aid Society in child protection investigations, ongoing family work, children’s services, adoption, and kinship assessment.

During her fifteen years in child protection, Kristina hosted many complex family meetings and support network meetings for families involved with child welfare.  She has become skilled at keeping feuding parties focused on common goals and moving forward despite conflict and crisis. She knows the importance of collaboration, clear communication, and everyone’s voice having the opportunity to be heard.

In 2024 Kristina completed a certificate in mediation through ADR Learning Institute to add a formal process to the Family Meetings and the skills she built through child protection.

As a Registered Social Worker who works from a trauma informed lens, meaning, Kristina understands that when people are in a state of great stress triggered by past experiences or certain people, their brain will not be able to access its best thinking, processing, or responses. This is relevant to having difficult family conversations and being aware of triggers and emotional safety for everyone involved.

Kristina lives in the Niagara area and is a mother to four young children. She sees the value in gathering people and sees the magic in connection and quality time. She enjoys swimming in lakes (even in Winter!), camp fires, board games, and planning theme parties.