Kirsten R. Lewis, M.Ed., received her BA in 1997 with double majors in psychology and chemistry from Washburn University and her M.Ed. in 2003 from Northern Arizona University.

As for employment, Kirsten is president of KSL Research, Training & Consultation, LLC; a forensic psychology instructor at Glendale Community College; approved instructor by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation; and retired probation officer from Maricopa County Adult Probation Department (MCAPD).

With a background in research and over 30 years of experience in community corrections, Kirsten spearheaded a ground-breaking research study examining secondary traumatic stress in probation officers as a result of working with criminal offenders. Her research was published in the American Journal of Criminal Justice and received the Sam Houston State University Award for outstanding contributions to scholarship in Community Corrections. In addition, Kirsten created a national award-winning employee stress management program at MCAPD that prepares employees for the unique challenges of probation work, enhances protective coping strategies, minimizes the cumulative stress associated with longevity, and promotes a work culture that safeguards the welfare of staff. Kirsten conducts a variety of trainings on the topics of traumatic stress, peer support, and employee wellness with human service agencies around the country and has presented her work at conferences throughout the United States and abroad.