Cristen Wathen, PhD

Dr. Cristen Wathen is an Assistant Professor at Palo Alto University. She has a background in working with survivors of trauma and child sexual abuse. She also has experience counseling and advising college students and working with underserved populations in educational settings. Currently, her research interests center around mental wellness needs for those with chronic illnesses, organ transplantation, and genetic disease in family systems. Cristen earned her master's degree from Baylor University and her doctoral degree from Idaho State University. Before joining PAU, she was an Assistant Professor at Montana State University for four years. She has served as the RMACES president and as ACES secretary in her professional service. She is a licensed counselor in Montana and in Idaho and will soon be transferring her license to California.