I’m Kristan — a writer, photographer, and night-shift CMA/med aide based in Kansas. I write for people navigating real life: love, loss, caregiving, and the quiet moments that shape us.
I was born in Fort Worth, Texas and moved to Kansas at the age of three, where I grew up, became a mom of four, and built a life shaped by resilience and real-world caregiving experience.
Unfiltered Reflections is where I write honestly about life, grief, healing, caregiving, dementia, end-of-life experiences, and personal growth. The stories here blend raw truth with perspective drawn from my work in dementia care, my own experiences with loss, and what I continue to learn about caregiving and end of life.
I work in a one-of-a-kind memory-care unit focused on early-stage dementia. That work deeply influences how I see people, aging, family, and the human experience. My nights are spent helping residents preserve their memories, independence, and identity. My days are spent reflecting on the moments — quiet, difficult, and meaningful — that teach us who we are.
As Unfiltered Reflections grows, I am also creating practical resources for families and caregivers and pursuing end-of-life doula education. The heart of this space will stay the same: honest writing, useful information, and room for the parts of life people do not always know how to talk about.
What You’ll Find Here
- Personal reflections on life, grief, and healing
- Motherhood and caregiving experiences
- Night-shift stories from dementia and memory care
- Resilience and self-discovery
- Visual storytelling through photography
- Honest conversations about life — without filters or clichés
- Practical resources for families and caregivers as this space grows
Why I Write
Because life isn’t simple — but talking about it honestly makes it easier to understand.
This space is for people who’ve lived real life, felt real things, and want connection without pretending everything is fine.