Over 12 million people have witnessed Kristen's speaking and theatrical ability through positive messaging live on stage, over 5,000 American high school students have been inspired by her motivational speeches and made the choice to get information on colleges. 30 Haitian students have earned diplomas and degrees online at computer centers which she created in Haiti’s earthquake zone, where 28 of 32 universities were destroyed in the 2010 earthquake. Many of these young people are now gainfully employed in their native country, a result of Kristen's networking ability in calling on CEOs of international companies to give those graduates opportunity to interview for positions.
For the past 5 years, Kristen's start up business, Hertzog Homestead has expanded and increased profits. She has even rallied Amish and Old Order Mennonites together as leader of Hope for Haiti Benefit Auction, which brought over 900 community members to her Event Venue the past six years to raise funds for educational initiatives in Haiti. Serving others and providing opportunity has been the keystone to Kristen's motivation and passion.
Kristen was diagnosed with learning disabilities including audio-visual perceptual impairment, dyslexia, and ADD at an early age. She academically suffered during a time when her private school was just beginning to understand how these disabilities were challenging to non-traditional learners. At 17, she failed her written driver’s license test seven times, and felt frustrated and exasperated. A high school guidance counselor once told her that with luck, she would find a job at McDonald's.
These early challenges developed in Kristen a persistent drive and motivation to help other nontraditional learners and marginalized peoples gain access to opportunities to become successful in life.
With strategic vision and effective communication skills, she transformed her bicentennial family farm into the successful Hertzog Homestead Bed & Breakfast in Ephrata, Pennsylvania. Along with her team, she created a unique and hospitable environment for countless guests from around the world. In 2015, Kristen, along with her husband, Scott spearheaded the restoration of their 200-year-old historic limestone bank barn into a three-season event venue for weddings, executive functions, and fundraising events. Kristen has two children, a 16-year-old daughter adopted from Haiti and a 10-year old biological son, who is the 9th generation from an unbroken family bloodline to live on their property.
Kristen earned a certificate from Harvard University: Division of Continuing Education in Leadership Coaching Strategies and was awarded the 2017 Women of Influence Award by the Central Pennsylvania Business Journal.
READY TO TALK? Kristen is only a text/call or cup of coffee away. Contact her directly at: 717-201-4893 - [email protected].
