Kristin Brown

Kristi Brown came to Presbyterian School as a Humanities teacher in 2000 after teaching history in high schools. During her time at PS, Kristi has served as teacher, Associate Head of Middle School and Director of Admission. Kristi believes that her role as Admission Director is to build and nurture the PS community by admitting families who exemplify the core values and are eager to partner in the mission of the school. Her goal is for the admission experience to be a window that allows prospective families to experience the unique and special culture of Presbyterian School. Kristi and her husband, Adam, have two daughters, Allie (PS ‘ 14) and Anna (PS ’17), both of whom are Presbyterian School Lifers. She enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs, Raider and Belle. She also loves to cook, study history and is an avid British television watcher.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, History and English, Birmingham Southern College
Master of Education, University of Alabama

Q & A with KRISTIN

What are your top five CliftonStrengths, and which ONE do you find yourself leaning into the most these days?
Strategic, Empathy, Relator, Responsibility and Maximizer are my top five strengths. I use Maximizer as a life hack! Always trying to make things better drives some folks crazy, but for me it is the key to a happy life. I like to focus on what I do have rather than what I don’t have and how I can use the blessings and gifts that do exist to make things and life better. My kids used to say “Mom, how come our friends don’t have study parties like we do”? My response was always “ Girls, it is our responsibility to make our lives fun and the only way I know to make studying fun is to add some poster boards, sparkle markers, music, great snacks and make it a party!”

What’s your favorite part of the PS Mission ("Family, School and Church united in the education and support of each Child") and why?
United is my favorite word in the Presbyterian School Mission. Teaching taught me that when the grown-ups work together to meet the needs of children, the results are life changing and maybe the gift of all gifts!

What was your best academic subject when you were in elementary school?
I have always been a history girl and placed in the social studies fair every year. I still remember the day I realized that I could make a career out of it. I have never looked back, and it still fascinates me every single day.

What’s your happy place?
My happy place is the water. I am a Pisces and am never more happy or at peace than when in a pool or the ocean…clear water only. Too many scary things can sneak up on you, and I need to know what is coming.

What was your favorite activity as a ten-year-old?
I remember being ten so vividly because it was the year I got to ride my bike ALONE in the neighborhood. I could go anywhere I wanted by MYSELF. I would ride for hours with the wind blowing on my face just dreaming and thinking. Those days were when I learned to value freedom and the blessing of living in a country that allows it.

Are Christmas gifts from Santa wrapped or unwrapped? Discuss.
Really whatever the elves want! However, if I were choosing it would be a combo! Unwrapped for large items and wrapped in Santa Claus paper for small ones that require anticipation.

Paper or plastic? Why?
This is such a struggle for me! I loathe plastic, and I love trees. When I forget my reusable bags, I always ask for a combo and am diligent about reusing them responsibly.