In 2020, Christina's exceptional contributions were acknowledged with the prestigious "Distinguished Alumni Award," honoring her resilience, tenacity, and commitment to policy change and community impact. Her academic achievements stand as a testament to her resilience and determination. She earned Associate degrees in General Education and Social Work from Salt Lake Community College. Continuing her academic journey, she pursued her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at the University of Utah, where her inspiring story was highlighted in the 2017 commencement press release and featured by Utah's local ABC News for Fostering change in a struggling youth population. She then earned her Masters in Social Work (MSW) in 2018, where she was nominated for the Student of The Year Award.
Since 2016, Christina has played a pivotal role in advocating for foster care policies and change. Since 2019, she has been involved in the Family First Learning Collaborative, collaborating with esteemed organizations such as Casey Family Programs and various states, nations, and tribes. Her advocacy efforts reached a pinnacle when she made her voice heard at a Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C., advocating for the intersection of Medicaid and foster care. Her impactful advocacy contributed to the passing of H.R. 4998, later integrated into a bipartisan Opioid Package (H.R.6) in the Senate.
Driven by her personal and professional experiences, Christina remains a steadfast advocate for policies benefiting current and former foster youth. Recognized for her resilience and multifaceted expertise as a human, social worker, educator, mentor, and leader, she remains dedicated to empowering others.
As the proud business owner of Mountains Therapy LLC, a mental health private practice in Montclair, New Jersey, Christina provides compassionate psychotherapy and counseling in-person and online to individuals, couples, and families across multiple states including New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida and Utah. Her holistic approach to therapy is informed by her own experiences and professional training, creating a safe and supportive environment for her clients' healing journey.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Christina finds joy and rejuvenation in activities such as meditating, dancing, camping, relaxing at home, and indulging in binge-worthy series. Her commitment to self-care and balance reflects her dedication to leading a fulfilling life while making a positive impact on the lives of others.
