Kristin is Here To Stay's Program Director. She has worked to provide equitable housing for both homeowners and renters for over 15 years. She began partnering with Here to Stay while working as Housing Development Manager for CMHDC where she put financing in place to purchase and rehab land trust homes including Here to Stay’s first acquisition.

At CMHDC she oversaw acquisition and development of multifamily buildings, preserving affordability and allowing existing tenants to remain in their homes. At Neighborhood Housing Services she managed disposition of foreclosed homes, prioritizing sales to community members over investors. At Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago she helped organize free home repairs for seniors and families, helping them to remain safely in their homes, and worked with corporate philanthropies to provide upgrades to community centers and non-profits throughout the Chicago area.

All of these experiences have guided her to Here to Stay where she can apply these skills to grow the land trust and help residents establish permanent roots through homeownership. Kristin’s other passions include her family, listening to live music, reading and cooking.

Housing and more specifically affordable housing has been something I have cared about for a long time. My insight into housing has evolved due to my engagement with campaigns led and or supported by the Palenque LSNA (formerly the Logan Square Neighborhood Association) where I worked for a total of sixteen years.

Over the last thirty years, my experience as a professional has been shaped by the richness of the people and communities that I have had the privilege of working with. I have worked on issues such as unraveling the complexity of childhood obesity through a public health lens by inviting local, city and state institutions to work together. I lead a team of peer educators (former Parent Mentors) who facilitated evidence-based curriculums to immigrant mothers. Most recently I managed the Ladders of Opportunity pilot program within the Parent Engagement Institute’s Parent Mentor Program, supporting partners across the state of Illinois who are coaching parents pursuing their education and/or career goals.

My strong sense of integrity and accountability have been drivers in my work to address social injustices. I have an unapologetic sense of curiosity that allows me to explore resources and to see possibilities. I earned my bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Illinois in Chicago, a volunteer board member with various organizations, a proud mother and homeowner.