Meet HVN Rides Coordinator, Chris Kittilstad

What does it take to be a Rides Coordinator with Herndon Village Network (HVN)? After a few minutes getting to know Chris Kittilstad, you may find it’s all about resilience and heart.

An outgoing, quick-witted friend to all, Chris was born in 1963 on Edwards Air Force Base in California. She spent her elementary school years in Fairfax County, VA and her high school years in Valley Forge, PA. A self-described combination of shy meets suburban punk rocker, Chris bravely moved by herself to Philadelphia, PA immediately after high school graduation in 1981. There, she attended cosmetology school and worked as a hairdresser for ten years. She loved getting to know new people every day.

She chuckled, “Can you believe that I used to be very shy? The service industry forced me to come out of my shell. I think my personality really blossomed during that time.”

After the conclusion of this first career, Chris moved to Virginia to work for a nonprofit communications organization and attend Northern Virginia Community College. She then heard about the curriculum at Villa Julie College, now known as Stevenson University, located near Baltimore, MD. In 1998, she graduated with a B.S. in Sociology and TV, Film, and Video.

Upon graduation, she worked for two years as a freelance TV and video producer, after which she landed her dream job as a freelance production assistant with PBS. She loved developing materials for various PBS stations to use during their pledge drives. She got involved with script writing, casting, and filming, and, by the time her contract ended, she was an associate producer.

“I thought the PBS job was going to be just three weeks long,” she noted. “It ended up being 11 years!”

At the end of this second career, Chris moved to Herndon to be with her sister, who was experiencing significant health problems. Chris faithfully cared for her sister and, at the same time, continued freelance script writing and managed a Curves gym. Upon her dear sister’s death, Chris found herself pulled in a new direction.

Fortunately for HVN, this new direction and third career included community service and caregiving. Having been by her sister’s side daily for years, Chris understood the importance of quality caregiving, which includes having reliable transportation help. In 2017, Chris began driving with HVN, and, soon after, she became the HVN Rides Coordinator and a Graceful Care caregiver.

“I love working with senior citizens,” shared Chris. “As HVN’s Rides Coordinator, I really enjoy talking with new members and assuring them that, ‘yes, we’re here for you. We’re going to make sure you’re able to get where you need to go.’”

Chris also looks forward to making new friends along the way. Whether they find her sharing the latest shenanigans of her sassy cat, Viola, or quoting her favorite Beatles' song or true crime podcast, HVN’s senior citizen members immediately realize they’re getting to know a resilient and caring person whose life path directed her to the right place at the right time. HVN is fortunate that Chris calls Herndon her home and looks forward to her continued steadfast, loving service to our senior citizen members for years to come.