Where Healing Begins with Nature. Kristine's love for nature began in her childhood, when she often hiked and camped with her parents. This early passion for nature was later passed on to her own children, who grew up enjoying similar adventures. However, as her family became more involved in school sports and activities, the frequency of these outdoor excursions diminished. Despite this, Kristine
's connection to nature remained steadfast, eventually serving as a source of solace and healing during times of personal grief. After her father's passing in 2015, she found solace in nature. In 2018, she founded The Wandering Sole Sisters, a local women's hiking group, and became an ambassador for two other women's hiking groups. Three years after her father's death, Kristine's daughter Anna was killed by an impaired driver. To cope with this grief, she began volunteering for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club as a Trail Talker, finding peace and community in nature. She helped start the Club’s Blue Ridge Chapter, serving as president for four years. In 2020, she became Supervisor of Outreach, where she developed outdoor programs for women and created popular hiking and volunteering challenges. Kristine was certified as a Forest Therapy Guide by ANFT in 2021. She leads hikes and Forest Therapy walks with Frederick County Parks and Recreation, Seven Bends State Park, and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Kristine is in the process of transitioning careers. She is currently working towards a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Social Work. In addition, after attending a Grief Retreat in 2024, she is pursuing a certification in Grief Coaching to become a certified Grief Coach. Kristine aims to assist individuals in managing grief, loss, and trauma through a nature-based approach. She utilizes natural surroundings to support those she works with in their healing process.
