Kristen studied both plant and animal ecology and evolution at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the Ohio State University (OSU). She then taught biology and ecology at several colleges including VCU, OSU, University of Michigan, and Eastern Michigan University. The daughter of a plant fanatic, Kristen has been growing orchids for over 30 years, and in 2014 she fulfilled her dream of making orchids a full-time commitment by purchasing New World Orchids in Michigan. Although she enjoys growing many varieties of orchids and other plants, miniatures remain her passion—she says "the weirder the better"!
