Kristen Rasmussen
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Kristen Rasmussen has over thirty-three years of experience in the behavioral health field with seven years at ICAN, serving as an executive team member since 2013. ICAN is a nonprofit provider of innovative home and community- based interventions in Upstate New York and provides services to 1,500 individual daily through 20 programs across six counties.
Rasmussen received a Bachelor of Science in Cultural & Women’s Studios from SUNY Empire State College and holds a Master of Social Work degree from Syracuse University.
Rasmussen began working with ICAN (then Kids Oneida) seventeen years ago as an independent contractor. She was hired as an Associate Executive Director five years ago with the responsibility of oversight of programs and services. Having spent her entire career serving children and families in the greater Utica area, she was able to bring her vast experience and skillset to the organization, complementing the existing leadership team. Since joining the ICAN team, the organization has stabilized and improved programming, diversified funding streams, and created new program offerings for families. Under Rasmussen’s leadership, ICAN’s programs and services have experienced significant growth.
For the past twenty-two years, Rasmussen has been asked to present and be a keynote speaker at numerous professional conferences in the Upstate New York region on various topics including; Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Comprehensive Behavior Management, Positive Parenting, Mindfulness, Alternative Approaches to Wellness and Creating Safe Spaces. Discovering yoga in her late teens, Rasmussen has infused a blend of traditional Western psychology and alternative Eastern spiritual practice in all of her work with individuals. As a strong advocate for wellness in the workspace, she facilitates yoga and mindfulness sessions with staff. Rasmussen has played a significant role in positively impacting the culture of the organization.
Rasmussen has spent the majority of her career as a social justice advocate by promoting positive change within the community. She has a special ability to connect with youth and her career has had an intentional focus on youth with significant mental/behavioral health challenges, the LGBTQ community, the homeless youth population, and teen parents.
Kristen and her partner Kent reside in New Hartford, NY with their son Lukäs and a lovely tribe of animals. The Rasmussen’s also have two grown daughters, Britt and Emma, and a grandson Quinn. Rasmussen’s family has a passion for the outdoors, hockey, music and the arts. Rasmussen enjoys hiking, kayaking and practicing yoga and mindfulness.