In 1985 Kris completed her nursing training in Oklahoma and subsequently began her career as a Perioperative RN. Prior to entering nursing school, she served in the United States Air Force as a surgical technician stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California.
Between 1985 and 1992, Kris worked as a perioperative RN in both the circulating and scrub roles in several facilities across the country. In 1992, she joined an orthopedic practice in Boise, Idaho specializing in joint replacement. By 1999, Kris had obtained her RNFA (registered nurse first assist).
In 1999 Kris relocated to Sacramento, California and married her best friend, Tom. While there, she joined the management team of a physician-owned ambulatory surgery center, with three operating rooms. Her husband Tom retired from the California Assembly in 2003 and they loaded up their home, beloved dogs, and moved to Sandpoint, Idaho. Kris met Mike DiBenedetto, MD shortly after moving to Sandpoint and they began their friendship and working relationship shortly thereafter.
Kris was instrumental in the development of Pend Oreille Surgery Center, llc; thus, making Mike DiBenedetto’s dream a reality. Together, they researched the possibilities and recruited other like-minded providers. Her involvement with Pend Oreille Surgery Center included research and feasibility, physician recruiting, architect selection, contractor and consultant, construction project coordinator, equipment and supply purchasing, and staff recruiting. It has been an exciting journey!