Biography of Diana Christen

Diana Christen is the Executive Director of the Family Life Center, a Certified Domestic/Sexual Violence Center and Emergency Shelter in Bunnell, Florida. She has specialized in the prevention of domestic/sexual violence for over 10 years. Ms. Christen has provided training to law enforcement officers, attorneys, corporations, clergy, medical doctors, non-profit and for-profit staff, government organizations, and to interested community members.

When Diana was handed the key to the Family Life Center, a Certified Domestic Violence Center in Flagler County, Florida in 2001, the non-profit organization was on the verge of closing its doors due to financial and organizational deficiencies. Through her strong leadership and passionate commitment, she revamped the organization creating a self-sufficient and well recognized community focal point for domestic/sexual violence victims. Through actively pursuing funds and grants, from Federal, State, and Local sources, the operating budget quadrupled to $825k in 2007. The Emergency Shelter capacity increased from 12 to 32 beds in 2004, providing a safe haven for abused women and children. In the middle of 2007, a 3000 sq. ft. Outreach Facility was opened to expand community crisis counseling services.

Ms. Christen is a specialist in victim services, curriculum development, workplace violence prevention and intervention, crisis management, educational programs related to domestic/sexual violence, nonprofit management and employment related issues, leadership development and train-the-trainer programs. She has also testified as an expert witness and shared on television, radio programs, and has been interviewed for newspaper articles and magazines.

Christen has served in executive positions for several corporate businesses prior to becoming involved in social work. She has also worked with local legislators and as a field consultant to members of Congress. Christen speaks regularly with federal, state and local legislators advocating comprehensive support for survivors of trauma and violence.

Diana Christen is working on a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from the University of Central Florida, and holds a B.S. in Legal Studies from the same University. In April 1998, she was awarded the prestigious Certification as a Guardian ad Litem from the Supreme Court of the State of Florida for her work with dependent children who also are often victims of abuse.

The curriculum and domestic/sexual violence training courses she has created are often used to train and prepare front line professionals and educate the general public as well. Christen uses her first-hand experience and years of advocacy as an expert spokesperson in a full array of victim issues.