Hi. I am Kristen. Welcome to Pen Pals Story Center.

At Pen Pals Story Center, my mission is to celebrate the healing power of story through creativity, encouragement, and inspiration for non-writers. I have taught classes about connecting with gratitude, finding one’s “faith” story, and looking at oneself (past, present and future) with intentionality and curiosity. I am educated in trauma, attachment theory, and narrative medicine as well as teaching writing, so I am equipped to lead all students through a close look at their own story, whether difficult or ideal. With a friend who is a talented artist, I also provide fun, collaborative word & art classes for small groups. I teach personal writing to high school students preparing for their college essays, adults interested in preserving memories, groups pursuing personal introspection and growth, and vulnerable populations. Please contact me through Instagram if your book club, school, neighborhood group, or other organization in the Charlotte area would like to find something new and creative to enjoy together.

Testimonials

I cannot overstate how valuable this collective and personal investigation of gratitude was to my mental, spiritual and emotional well being... Kristen's leadership in guiding us through this journey was intentional and beautiful. I have, for better or worse, been exposed to many educational gatherings of various types for decades. I can honestly say that Kristen's seminar affected me as profoundly as any I've experienced. Each of us experienced laughter, joy and tears. Bravo and thank you, Kristen Eshleman. You are a blessing!

Todd Williams, MD
Owner/founder of Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center of North Carolina.
The lovely thing about the experience Kristen provided for us is learning to accept myself. ALL of me, and to embrace and be more cognizant to what goes on in my brain ... Who have you been? Who are you? Who are you going to become? This is a fabulous course for growth, for seeing your real self, and for moving into the person you want to become.

Patricia Miller
Women's Encouragement Facilitator.
Kristen's teaching style is not only clear and engaging, but I found myself connecting with deep feelings of gratitude and even a sense of awe. The process she facilitated helped everyone in the class to connect more deeply with the people, circumstances, and events that have shaped our lives. This class has had a lasting impact on me, enriching my understanding of my own narrative and the world around me. I highly recommend Kristen's class to anyone looking to explore and articulate their personal story with greater clarity and emotional depth.

Dave Verhagen, PhD
Psychologist, Author, Adjunct Professor, and founder of Southeast Psych