Kristina Knickerbocker

Kristina Knickerbocker’s life is defined by a deep-seated commitment to service, leadership, and public health. Guided by early lessons in hard work and community involvement, Kristina put herself through school to earn her nursing degree before joining the U.S. Air Force. As a Major in the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, she spearheaded critical initiatives that directly improved medical outcomes and deployment readiness for active-duty personnel, veterans, and military families. She continued this mission with the 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron while simultaneously treating cancer patients across the region as a Neuro-Oncology Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

Through her dual background in military and civilian healthcare, Kristina has witnessed the system’s severe flaws firsthand—from skyrocketing prescription costs to understaffed facilities. Her drive to fight for systemic reform became personal when she survived a life-threatening medical failure during pregnancy due to providers failing to listen to her concerns, cementing her resolve to be an unyielding voice for patient advocacy. Today, Kristina proudly resides in the Yellow Springs area near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with her husband, Bret, and their two young children, bringing a powerful combination of military discipline, medical expertise, and heartfelt dedication to serving her community.