We are proud to recognize Kristie Hartzel as a nominee for the 2026 Marion Lindblad-Goldberg (MLG) Award in the Supervisor category. This marks Kristie’s second nomination for the award—an affirmation of the consistent and lasting impact she continues to have on those she supervises.
Kristie embodies the heart of systemic supervision. Those she works alongside consistently describe her as someone who is always available to guide them—a steady, grounding presence in both everyday clinical work and moments of intensity. Her accessibility creates a foundation of trust that allows clinicians to stretch, reflect, and grow within the ESFT model.
Supervising Through the Model
Kristie does not simply teach the model—she supervises through it.
She joins with her supervisees intentionally, contextually, and meaningfully, modeling the relational stance we hope clinicians bring into their work with families. In supervision, she demonstrates how to hold awareness of the entire ecosystem while thoughtfully attending to the clinician’s developmental edge. Her guidance is rooted in systemic thinking, helping clinicians move beyond surface-level interventions toward deeper understanding and second-order change.
Intentional and Contextual Leadership
Kristie’s supervision reflects careful attention to context—whether that context is the family system, the clinician’s growth, or the broader organizational environment. She understands that professional development is relational and creates supervision spaces where clinicians feel supported while also appropriately challenged.
Her joining is purposeful. She meets clinicians where they are and walks alongside them toward greater clarity, confidence, and competence.
Sustained Impact
That this is Kristie’s second nomination speaks to the enduring nature of her leadership. Her impact is not momentary—it is steady, consistent, and woven into the fabric of her team’s development. Supervisees experience her presence as thoughtful, accessible, and deeply invested in their success.
Kristie Hartzel strengthens clinicians, which in turn strengthens families and systems. We are honored to celebrate her continued leadership and her well-deserved nomination for the 2026 MLG Award.
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