Based in Victorville, CA, Kristian is a disabled Navy veteran, father of five daughters, and a dedicated public health professional holding a BS in Public Health (2016) and an MPH (2018). As Director of Finance for a nonprofit that provides housing, medical care, and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness, he is committed to uplifting vulnerable communities. He and his wife, Nicole, began their educational journey young—balancing school, work, finances, and parenting—and have earned their associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees side by side, now both pursuing their doctorates at National University. He credits NU’s flexibility and strong veteran support for easing his transition from military to civilian life. During a difficult period when his oldest sister passed away near the end of his bachelor’s program, his NU professor provided compassionate flexibility, a gesture that reinforced the value of learning in a supportive, human-centered environment.