Kirsten was born and raised in Altamont, Illinois.  She graduated from Altamont High School in 1998 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois in 2002.  Kirsten then attended Southern Illinois University School of Law where she was President of the Student Bar Association.  After graduation from SIU Law in 2006, Kirsten moved back to the Effingham area to practice law.  Currently Kirsten focuses in Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Real Estate, Guardianship and Estate Litigation.  

In 2014, Kirsten was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve on the Character and Fitness Committee, was reappointed and served on that Committee for the maximum term of 9 years. She has also served as a Judge for the ISBA Annual Legal Writing Contest for 2022 and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Effingham County Bar Association.  

Kirsten has served 2 terms on the Altamont Lutheran Interparish School Board.  She previously served on the CASA Board and as President of Strategic Training and Restoration which raises funds and awareness for the Effingham Area Problem Solving Courts.

Kirsten resides in Altamont with her husband, Ryan, and their two children where she has volunteered to coach soccer and volleyball.