Kirstin graduated from the University of Kansas Medical Center with her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a program director of a respite care program that served children with disabilities and volunteered in private clinics, hospitals, and adult day programs, gaining experience working with a wide range of clients from different backgrounds. During her clinical rotations and since graduation, she has worked in schools serving students from Pre-K to 12th grade with various abilities.