Kirsten has served many capacities in the environmental field, including as a college instructor, landscape designer, and sustainability consultant. Her work takes a systemic and ecological approach to site design and management. Kirsten assisted in developing Detroit’s 1st Green Alley and also led the design and implementation of the RoofTop Farm project at the Green Garage in Midtown Detroit, where she worked to help small businesses become more sustainable. Kirsten holds a Master of Natural Resource Stewardship degree with specialization in Ecological Restoration from Colorado State University, a Master of Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University, a B.F.A. from Wayne State University with a concentration in design, and a horticulture degree from St. Clair County Community College (SC4), where she also taught courses on the subject. A lifelong learner and community volunteer, Kirsten is also a Michigan Conservation Steward and an MSU Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer.
Before joining Six Rivers, Kirsten led the development of the land care program for Friends of the St. Clair River. She grew the watershed nonprofit organization’s volunteer force, led community science and engagement programs, and oversaw a diversity of restoration and stewardship projects.