Kristen Tharaldson, MDH, Minneapolis Healthy Start, doula, perinatal health educator, Circle of Security, Family Spirit

Kristen Tharaldson works with communities on maternal/child health issues including infant mortality (Minneapolis Healthy Start), birth work (doula, perinatal health educator), and family home visiting (Circle of Security, Family Spirit). She partnered with indigenous-led nonprofits to reclaim traditional birth practices (Mewinzha Ondaadiziike Wiigaming) and to support sustainable environment projects (Honor the Earth). Kristen worked in the Office of Rural Health & Primary Care for 10 years as staff to the Rural Health Advisory Committee. She currently works at MDH in Family Home Visiting as the Community Initiatives Coordinator.