Kristen P. Patterson

I am engaged in two distinct purpose-driven endeavors, and actively pursuing opportunities in both spaces.

1) Dynamic consultant strengthening climate, health, and environmental outcomes

I have 25+ years of experience in international development. Through January 2025, I was the inaugural senior climate and health advisor for USAID’s Global Health Bureau. I worked across USAID and in the interagency, bilateral, and multilateral space on climate and health, with a focus on extreme heat and air pollution. Since the demise of USAID, I’ve been consulting for various organizations on a part-time basis. My superpower is developing impactful, evidence-based policy advocacy, written communications, funding streams, strategies, and programs that bridge environmental conservation, public health, and climate to support and advance equitable, community-driven solutions. I’ve launched programs and led teams that have generated positive change. I've engaged high-net worth individuals, foundations, and corporations to fund impactful work. I'm passionate about working collaboratively to embrace solutions to global challenges to ensure all people have a thriving future on a healthy planet. I've built fulfilling partnerships and cross-sectoral collaborations at the local, national, and international scale. I bring authentic leadership and empathy to my work and relationships. I have experience in 10 U.S. states and 25+ countries. I've worked with NGOs ranging in size from 15 to 4,000+ staff.

2) Founder of Sacred Journey Death Doula, an end of life planning and death doula business

Based in Arlington, Virginia, Sacred Journey Death Doula, LLC centers connection, compassion, reverence, and joy. I provide comprehensive support for clients on their final journey, collaboratively craft end-of-life plans for clients, and host workshops designed to demystify death by connecting people with their mortality by spending time in nature. I serve clients across Northern Virginia and neighboring counties in the DMV. Learn more at https://sacredjourneydeathdoula.com/