Hello, I’m Kirstin.
Communicator. Writer. Connector.
360.790.7954
About
As a communications professional with a Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College and many years of experience in written and visual communications, public relations, and project and team coordination, I love connecting people with the information and support they need. Put my expertise in internal, executive and customer communications to work for you.
How can I help you tell your story?
Featured Projects
Stories
Social Media Campaigns
Photos
Videos
Graphic Design
Skills
- Writing Acumen
- Multimedia Creation (Adobe Creative Suite)
- Strategic Planning
- Presentation & Training Aptitude
- Liaison Expertise
- Change Management
- Program, Team, Project Management
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Event Coordination
- Organizational Support
- Data Analysis
- Financial Management
Experience
Defense Health Agency/U.S. Army • Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM, WA • 2019-2023
Public Affairs Specialist-Command Information Officer
- Staff communications manager responsible for strategic planning, development, and implementation of communications initiatives.
- Organization’s chief writer for internal and external communications.
- Senior leader consultation included advising on content, tactics, potential responses to proposed actions, and dissemination options of materials and activities. Drafted, edited, and disseminated communications for both internal and external audiences for leaders. Facilitated communications for hospital CEO including commentaries, town halls, and messaging to a staff of 6000+ employees.
- Wrote, researched, interviewed, edited, and captured photographs for, articles to document and promote the hospital’s services, as well as the expertise and activities of staff. All stories were posted on a page with a 20,000-follower reach.
- Scripted, coordinated, researched, developed, and distributed multimedia projects including videos, photo essays, and infographics.
- Initiated the first staff social media group, improving staff engagement and keeping them connected during the pandemic.
- Engaged in crisis communication response to train derailment, responding to media queries, writing messaging, and aiding management of press conference.
Defense Health Agency/U.S. Army • Madigan Army Medical Center, JBLM, WA • 2017-2019
Public Affairs Specialist-Staff Writer
- Writing specialist for large military healthcare organization responsible for writing, researching, interviewing, editing, and capturing photographs for, articles on the hospital’s services and staff.
- Supported senior leaders’ communications initiatives for staff and patients.
- Partnered with subject matter experts to produce projects, articles, and events including engaging in change management effort for all stakeholders of Madigan’s pilot of the Department of Defense’s new electronic health record.
- Produced videos and infographics to inform patients and the public on the organization, including a behind-the-scenes series of videos.
Public Health Command-Pacific/U.S. Army • JBLM, WA • 2015-2018
Editorial Assistant
- Communications support for all aspects of command operations in the Pacific theater including report and policy review and management.
- Served as marketing team manager including coordination and management of Public Affairs and Ambassador programs for region including producing news releases and articles, advising command team and staff on all aspects of public affairs, providing review and approval for all external communications.
- Web content and social media manager involved in coordinating with subject matter experts to manage website and social media presence.
- Equal Employment Opportunity training co-coordinator.
Volunteer Work
NAACP of Thurston County • Olympia, WA • 2025-Present
Communications Specialist
- Assess communications needs or newly formed chapter.
- Create and distribute materials – posters, flyers, etc. for engagement.
- Support Board’s communications needs including messaging and writing profiles of members.
- Write and share the stories of the organization’s membership.
Oregon Archaeology Committee • Salem, OR • 2011
Graphic Designer
- Designed the poster to promote the annual Oregon Archaeology Celebration.
- Worked with committee and printer to refine design aspects.
Planned Parenthood of the Great NW • Olympia, WA • 1999-2000, 2008
Communications Specialist
- Created/revised training materials for volunteers and community outreach.
- Produced 20-minute public service announcement video of the Teen Council—used for school boards and granting organizations.
Education
The Evergreen State College • Olympia, WA, USA
Bachelor of Arts
Completed coursework in Communications with emphasis on film, video, photography and writing.
Awards
U.S. Army, Public Health Command-West/Pacific • 2015-2017; U.S. Army Madigan Army Medical Center • 2017-2023
Performance Award
U.S. Army, Public Health Command-West/Pacific • 2016, 2017
Certificate of Achievement
U.S. Army, Madigan Army Medical Center • 2019, 2020
Civilian Service Achievement Medal
U.S. Army Madigan Army Medical Center • 2021, 2022
Special Act or Service Award
What People Are Saying
All testimonials by former supervisors and lead workers
All-Around Capabilities
“Kirstin’s strong work ethic comes through in both the quality and quantity of her work. I would recommend her for any communications office looking for a strong writer, an innovative communicator, and a dedicated team member.”
“I am humbled to have Kirstin in the public affairs team and look forward to her future accomplishments. Exceptional performance all around.”
“Dedicated to mission accomplishment.”
Technical Skills
“Her writing is fabulous and always fun to read.”
“She is so very far above the established element standard and merits the highest rating without second thought. Besides meeting the established numbers, the real comment and praise is her compelling and detailed storytelling that draws the reader in emotion and a connection to the topic. Superb performance with her story telling talents.”
“Outstanding PAO duties; her video production and consolidated storyboards are exceptional and regarded as the standard for the entire Regional Health Command.”
“Superb performance as BDE [brigade] Public Affairs Officer; outstanding results with efficient and effective themes and messages for the command.”
“Outstanding performance as a technical writer in all respects; clearly performed above already high expectations.”
Problem-Solving
“She suggested and got approved from command the use of an internal staff Facebook page, which was started in the nick of time when the pandemic began last year. This closed group staff Facebook page enabled staff sent home during the pandemic shutdown to stay in touch with Madigan when they had no other way to stay engaged. Her effort to create, build, manage and then operate this Facebook page became critical during the shutdown months and held dozens of FB lives with the Command at various hours during the day to keep staff informed and engaged. Simply outstanding work by Kirstin.”
“She spearheaded a great idea to do short COVAX testimonials done on location in the Market at Oak Harbor, Bremerton and JBLM. It was a wonderful effort to help influence Service Members, Families and Retirees to get the COVAX before mandates were announced and implemented.”
“She was instrumental in keeping staff informed during a significant change management effort called the DHA transition.”
“Identifies problems early and develops strategies to address them.”
Soft Skills
“Possesses outstanding interpersonal skills which create an effective, harmonious and pleasant work environment.”
“Open-minded; seeks challenges for growth and development.”
“Contributes with adaptability and agility for the command.”
“Unlimited potential; possesses traits that will enable her to continue to excel and achieve at whatever level she desires.”