Join Brandi and James as they sit down with Kristen Cagwin to discuss both the external and internal preparations necessary for a smooth transition back to home cultures. Together, they explore the best times and practical steps for planning, as well as long-term strategies to help individuals, couples, and families navigate this significant change successfully. Tune in to discover valuable insights on how to transition well and support lasting adjustment at home.

Kristen grew up in Illinois and attended Wheaton College (2000), where she met her husband, Joel. They moved to Kandern, Germany, in 2013 to work at Black Forest Academy. Since then, they have lived in Kandern, with the exception of one home assignment year in Wheaton, IL (2018–19), and one year in Chiang Mai, Thailand (2022–23), where Kristen interned at Cornerstone Counseling Foundation.

Their son graduated from BFA in 2025 and now attends Lehigh University (PA). Their three daughters are all current BFA students. After graduating and getting married, Kristen worked at Wheaton College for seven years before staying home full-time with her kids until they were all in school. It took Kristen a few years to identify what she wanted to pursue vocationally, but she eventually discovered the intersection of spiritual direction, yoga, and psychology as the path of wholeness that had been most helpful in her own journey. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Concordia University Irvine (2023) and a master’s degree in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College (2006). Kristen is a certified spiritual director through Sustainable Faith (2021) and a trained yoga instructor through The Yoga Abbey (2020). She has her LMHCA (WA) and hopes to complete full licensure by the end of the year.

Kristen currently works part-time in the Counseling Department at BFA and part-time as a Member Care counselor with the CMA. In her free time, she enjoys hiking in and around Kandern, listening to podcasts, and relaxing with family and friends. In her counseling role, Kristen enjoys getting to know her clients and accompanying them toward a greater understanding of their story and healthier relationships with self, God, and others.