Christen graduated from Aquinas College in 2006 with a double major in Elementary Education and Learning Disabilities and a minor in Language Arts. She began her teaching career in a Resource Room at a private school in Grand Rapids where she spent seven years supporting students in grades K-8. She has been involved with LMA since completing her student teaching in 2006 by serving as the summer program Director from 2009-2011. Beyond Lake Michigan Academy, she worked as the Education Services Director for SLD Read.  Christen is now at Lake Michigan Academy full time and is excited to be working at the elementary level where she can implement her Orton Gillingham training.

In her spare time she loves spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. She loves taking walks with her two dogs and has a passion for photography.​