Kris obtained a bachelor degree in nursing (BSN) from Montana State University 1986.   Kris then graduated with Masters in Business Administration in Healthcare Administration (MBA) from City University in Seattle in 1993.     

She began her career as a nurse in medical-surgical, oncology, ICU and ER nursing in Olympia, Washington.  Then for 3 years she worked as a traveling nurse all over the United States.  After returning to Montana, she worked as an Emergency Department nurse, hospital staffing manager, and HR recruiter, and manager of Professional Registry of Health Care Services (PROHS) providing home care and staffing services for Kalispell Regional Medical Center.  In 1997, she joined her parents with A Plus Health Care as the leader.

Soon after in 1998, she formed  Touch of Grace Clinic, a clinic for free healthcare- a testament to her caring nature. She served as RN Clinic Coordinator there for 12 years. 

Awards:

In 2001, Kris received the Professional Excellence Award from the Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM), and was honored to attend Leadership Flathead.  In 2006-07, she was selected the local Business Woman of the Year.  Montana State Employers Council awarded her the 2007 Outstanding JSEC chair.  In 2011, awarded with Citation Award for International Association of Workforce Professionals (IAWP).  In 2012 A Plus Health Care was awarded the Job Service large employer of choice.  In 2012, started the innovative care farm program.  In 2018, she became a nationally recognized certified dementia professional.  Now in 2019, taken up a personal challenge for a positive outcome of breast cancer cure.  

Additional Leadership:

In addition to business and healthcare, Kris maintains a healthy interest in Montana communities.  She is active as a member for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, supporting roles Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC), local workforce development centers with JSEC,  the Long Term Care Choices Coalition,  Northwest Community Care Transitions coalition, Tamarak Grief Resource Center advisor, and Sparrows Nest homeless teen project.  

Personal Contributions:

Her dedication to Montana is a value to her success.  She grew up in the Missoula valley in Northwest Montana.   Her family activities remain important to keeping Kris balanced in all she does.  She is married to Tom, and they have two  daughters, Jasmine & Camas.  With the family, in 2009, went on a trade mission to China to explore business, health care and other aspects of life in China.  In 2011 she traveled to Africa to provide direct medical assistance, medication, living assistance and sustainability to Uganda’s peoples while promoting better health and life.  In 2013, Kris and family went to France, sharing ideas about healthcare models and delivery of home care.  These experiences have greatly added to the leader that she is today.

Kris truly cares about people, while always striving to make it better for all!