Kristen McVeigh
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Law (2016)
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Law in 2016, Kristen went on to pursue graduate studies. She now works as Transitional Housing Team Lead with Thresholds Homes and Supports, supporting individuals in their journey toward stable housing.
“Try anything and try it all. I explored a number of different environments like community mental health, group homes, jails, and emergency shelters across adult mental health and developmental services. You will land where you are supposed to but if you don’t take risks you won’t get anywhere special.”
Brief description of what I do!
I lead a dynamic team that empowers individuals experiencing homelessness to find stability, grow, and reimagine their futures. I am responsible for operations, program innovation, and staff development, driving consistent, high-quality outcomes.
What inspired your career path after graduation?
I always knew I wanted to work in the mental health field. After graduation, I secured an administrative role with an agency dedicated to supportive housing for people with chronic mental illness. Through progressive opportunities, I gained experience across the organization and ultimately discovered a passion for leadership, which has shaped my career path.
How did your experience in the psychology program shape your journey?
My experience in the psychology program gave me a strong understanding of the driving forces behind human behaviour. It has shaped the way I understand others, and has been invaluable in supporting the individual needs of my clients and the team members I lead.
What skills or experiences were most valuable after graduation?
I think what was most valuable was the critical thinking skills I learned thought.
What has been a highlight or proud moment in your career so far?
I recently had the opportunity to create a Transitional Housing program from scratch. Being able to build something from start to finish through my own lens and see it come to fruition – while transforming the lives of our residents and the staff connected to the program – has been a deeply meaningful experience. It was truly a dream come true and will continue to shape the trajectory of my career.