Alumni Spotlight

Alumni Spotlight: Kristen (Ames) Stratton ’05

Kristen Stratton attended Pitt-Greensburg from 2001-2003 before transferring to the Oakland campus from which she graduated in 2005 with a BS in psychology, a minor in administration of justice, and a certificate in women’s studies.

What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?

It was an opportunity to start a new, independent adventure away from home, but not too far from a support system. I was very nervous to start college because at the time I was determined to begin working right out of high school, and college academics intimidated me. I also had a close friend from high school who was attending Pitt-Greensburg.

Were you a commuter or a resident? Resident

What activities were you involved with as a student?

I spent a lot of time in college working in the evenings and weekends outside of class. Looking back, I wish I would have taken advantage of more activities and experiences.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class that most impacted you or was your favorite? Why?
Dr. David Marsh (Psychology courses) and Professor Judith Vollmer (Poetry). Dr. Marsh sparked my interest in psychology, and Professor Vollmer encouraged creativity, reflection, and public speaking via her poetry course.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class that most impacted you or was your favorite? Why?
I really enjoyed my Social Psych and Advance Social Psych courses with Dr. Marsh. I learned a lot in his classes, and it fueled my curiosity in human behavior and the field in general.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?

The friends that I made, residence halls, and the memories together. They were instrumental in my growth as a young adult. We had the absolute best time, and the bonds created continues today. We all moved to Pittsburgh together to finish our degrees and to pursue graduate school. We have been in one another's weddings and have continued our close friendships, now raising families together, building upon our professional lives, and always reminiscing of our Pitt days.

What have you been up to since graduation?

After graduating from the Oakland campus in 2005, I remained in Pittsburgh and began my path in the field for a non-profit where I had various positions working with at-risk youth in roles such as program coordinator for a residential facility, family therapist, individual therapist for their multi-dimensional treatment foster care program, behavioral support specialist, and educational therapeutic specialist for their partial hospital/alternative education program.

While working full time during the day, I pursued evening classes for my master’s in professional counseling during 2009 at Carlow University. I graduated a 60-credit program with K-12 School Counseling Certification in 2012. I relocated to the Washington, D.C. metro area and worked as a contractor via a non-profit for the Fairfax County Government, as an Employment Specialist for adults with dual diagnosis and/or criminal backgrounds. I married my husband in 2013 and also switched fields that year to work in higher education. My career at the Art Institute of Washington as a student support and disability services coordinator led me to love higher ed. I experienced a full-circle moment when after the birth of our first child in 2014, my husband and I decided to return to the Pittsburgh region to raise a family. I applied for a position with Pitt-Greensburg as the internship coordinator in Career Services. I was hired, and the rest is history! We ended up moving to Greensburg, and I have remained at Pitt- Greensburg. I am currently approaching year ten as the internship coordinator, and a seminar instructor for first year students (Cornerstone & College Success). I provide career guidance and assistance to students in relation to gaining career-related experience to help them be competitive for their next step (graduate or professional school, career, etc.). I work with them through the internship process in preparing, seeking, applying, working, and beyond. Creating and reviewing resumes, interview skills, networking, graduate school applications, classroom presentations and working with employers, faculty, staff, and students are what much of my day entails. I am also now a mom of four children under ten, which is a role that takes priority in my life, whether I am at their various practices, games and events, or volunteering within their school district. I feel incredibly grateful and blessed for the journey that got me to where I am today.

How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?

My experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg were the foundation to my growth as a person and a student. Without this first step, I can't imagine where life would have taken me. My coursework solidified a desire I had to work in a "helping" field and make an impact on others.

As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?

As an alum, and now as an employee, I have the privilege of being a part of future Bobcats' experience and journey. I have a passion for my work at Pitt-Greensburg and helping college students prepare for their futures whether they're in my office, or I'm in the classroom, or part of various events. I promote all of the excellence that takes place at Pitt-Greensburg whenever I have the opportunity. I also give back monetarily through various campaigns the University holds to ensure our campus and students have what they deserve.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?

In the words of my grandfather, "education is something that no one can ever take away from you." I encourage you all to work hard for it and allow yourself to feel proud when you achieve any and all academic and personal milestones. Be selfish and take time to learn who you are, build upon experiences, do things for yourself, get involved, and surround yourself with people who are good for you. Enjoy the journey you create for yourself and allow yourself to build strength from any roadblocks -- they only build character.

For fun:

What song do you always sing along to? Any rap or R&B song from the early 2000's--takes me back to college days!

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I started a chocolate covered pretzel business last year, Twisted Treats by Kristen.

2. I said I'd never go back to college after I finished my bachelor’s -- 15 more years of

   higher ed later, and here I still am!

3. I really enjoy being outside washing and detailing my car, and pressure washing.

4. I took algebra and statistics way too many times in college, and still hate numbers!

5. I was born in Michigan and have lived in 6 different states