Kristen Neuburger grew up in the Willamette Valley where she graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology. In 2007, Kristen moved to Wheeler County to be near family and has been involved in the community ever since! She has been a Wheeler County CASA volunteer since 2019 and a 4-H Leader volunteer since 2016. Kristen has also been involved in many public boards and committees while also volunteering with numerous fundraisers and events. 
Kristen is married with one son and two daughters. In her free time, she enjoys being with family and helping raise the family cattle. She also has a heart for all animals, specifically a deep love for horses. 
In July 2022, Kristen joined the SWCD team as an Assistant, but was promoted to a Conservation Technician three short months later. She promptly began studying noxious weeds and became the lead for the Wheeler SWCD Weed Program. Kristen obtained her ODA Public Pesticide Applicator License in April 2023 and has worked alongside Cassi to obtain additional opportunities for Wheeler County landowners to help battle noxious weed species prevention and treatments. It is due to Kristen’s motivating force and dedication that has allowed Wheeler SWCD to begin conducting applications for landowners!! 
In addition to the Weed Program, Kristen also takes the lead on OWEB Small Grants, post-implementation monitoring for all grants, and assists with project management on large grants. Kristen is a wealth of knowledge and spends many hours self-studying an array of subjects. She is a vital employee of the SWCD and community member of Wheeler County!