Kristina's "Leaving a Mark" presentation focuses on the importance of the role we each play in maintaining our genealogical legacies for the enrichment of future generations. It is inspired by the experiences of her Great Great Grandfather, a 16-year-old farmhand who left the only home he ever knew to help make history and shape our great nation on the Gettysburg battlefield as a private in the 24th Michigan Volunteer Infantry. Kristina's talk shares the message of the value of leaving a mark on history through the greatness of one's deeds rather than the pursuit of wealth, power, and recognition so often emphasized in contemporary society.

By sharing her uniquely personal story of a teenage boy of very humble origins thrust into adulthood during the horror of America's bloodiest war and his lasting legacy that has spanned 150 years, Kristina's presentation appeals to audiences of all ages and speaks to well-read historians and casual history buffs alike. She especially enjoys presenting for veterans organizations as well as at schools, libraries, museums, and for history-related events.

A sixth-generation Michigander whose ancestors first came to Detroit in the 1840s, Kristina is a member of Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861 - 1865, the Austin Families Association of America, Austin Families Genealogical Society, and has been a governor-appointed Honorable Kentucky Colonel for 20 years. In conjunction with the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial, Kristina plans to be active as a civilian Civil War reenactor and living historian.

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication and has spoken at veteran memorial services, expositions, and fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, Washtenaw United Way, Dearborn Animal Shelter, and Junior Achievement to name a few.

Kristina was recently honored to appear as guest speaker at the Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial "Plowshares to Swords" Exhibit Ribbon Cutting at the Michigan Historical Center on April 12, 2011 - the 150th anniversary of the Confederate firing on Fort Sumter.