Profile on Kristen Partlow

I was employed as a radio sales consultant for five years in the Minot media market. My work experiences also necessitated sufficient communication skills and the ability to work with the public as well as public officials and community leaders.

While residing in Minot, I worked as the Field Director for ND Special Olympics in Minot at the same time I completed my Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Dakota. I earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in English.

I married Tony Partlow in June 1992. We have two living children; Riley, age 9, and Presley-Anne, age 5. We recently lost an infant son, Eli. Our children are our treasures. We also love pets (dogs, cats, turtles, you name it!) and have plenty of them to enjoy.

In the summer I enjoy boating and outdoor fun at our family lake home in northern Minnesota. Reading is my favorite pastime, as well as decorating our historic home. I also love walking our dogs, playing with our children, dancing and going to concerts. Before my life became quite hectic, I volunteered many hours to the Humane Society and indulged in creative writing, including poetry. I also have enjoyed teaching Sunday School.

I enjoy serving as an advocate for children's rights in the judicial system in my "spare" time as a Custody Investigator. I also volunteer as a Teen Court Advisory Board member, am a member of the Optimist Club, and was a former Sunday School teacher.

I love watching my children as they grow and develop. I also love all kinds of music, animals and food. I love beaches, water, trees and flowers … nature in general. I truly enjoy life and making a difference in society. I do not like how quickly time passes. I despise abuse of any nature, particularly that of children and animals.

I learned about the coordinator position in our local newspaper as I was seeking a position that was personally rewarding. As family is my priority, and I have a need to "make a difference," this position allows that I strive for the betterment of the community in which my family resides. I have served as the coordinator for the Mayor's Council for a Safe Community for three years.

I strive to make a positive impact on the community through the efforts of the coalition and myself. I take pride in our achievements and growth, and expect to continue to achieve and grow through our endeavors over the years. I am very proud of our coalition and value each member. It is a pleasure working with each person, individually and as a team. I plan to expand upon coalition training, to maintain membership and motivation. I would like to develop additional sub-committees as our coalition grows.

I wholeheartedly love my job, but I must mention that behavior-changing endeavors, like getting people to habitually wear seat belts, can be a bit frustrating at times. But, the successes, however small or slow, are that much more rewarding, exciting and uplifting.

I love the people I work with, in the community and across the state (and nation, as I am currently working on a project with NHTSA). I enjoy my independence and reveling in the impact that our coalition makes upon this community. This position is one that requires multi-tasking, on which I thrive, and is ever changing. Even when goals remain the same, the means to the end - our projects - is continually changing or growing. It has proven to be exhausting, yet rewarding … perfect for my vitality.