Kristina Brittenham, daughter of actress-turned-author Heather Thomas and renowned attorney Harry “Skip” Brittenham, is a leading force in educational advocacy. Rather than seeking the spotlight of her parents’ worlds, she has become a central driver behind Nest Global, an organization dedicated to high-quality education for children facing displacement and hardship.
Kristina’s journey centers on purposeful leadership, blending legal precision and humanitarian commitment, and making her a model for using intellect and compassion to effect social change.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kristina L. Brittenham |
| Date of Birth / Age (as of 2025) | Not publicly confirmed; believed to be in her 30s |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height / Hair / Eye Color | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | B.A. in Political Science, Brown University; J.D., Boston College Law School; M.A. in Human Development & Psychology (UCLA) |
| Profession | Lawyer • Educator • Non-Profit Executive |
| Current Role | Co-Chief Executive Officer at Nest Global |
| Family | Mother – Heather Thomas; Father – Harry M. “Skip” Brittenham |
| Spouse / Children | Not publicly known |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | Several million dollars (unconfirmed) |
| Known For | Leadership at Nest Global; advocacy in early childhood education and social equity |
Early Life & Education
Born into a family that blended Hollywood glamour with intellectual drive, Kristina Brittenham grew up in an environment that emphasized both creativity and conscience. Her mother, Heather Thomas, was a television star best known for The Fall Guy, while her father, Skip Brittenham, was one of Los Angeles’s most respected entertainment attorneys, representing A-list clients and industry giants.
Growing up in Los Angeles meant a front-row seat to the entertainment world, but Kristina’s interests always leaned toward social issues rather than celebrity. Her parents fostered curiosity, independence, and a sense of responsibility toward others. Friends recall her as a thoughtful, introspective child — more likely to be reading or volunteering than attending red-carpet events.
After completing high school in California, Kristina attended Brown University, where she majored in Political Science. Her years at Brown deepened her understanding of policy, law, and social systems — disciplines that would later anchor her career. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Boston College Law School, where she honed a passion for advocacy and public service.
Not content with stopping there, Kristina pursued a Master’s degree in Human Development & Psychology from UCLA, where she focused on early childhood education and socioeconomic disparities. This academic blend of law, policy, and child psychology would later define her unique leadership philosophy.
Personal & Family Life
Kristina’s family life is rich in legacy. Her mother, Heather Thomas, is remembered for her acting career and later her political activism and writing, while her father, Skip Brittenham, co-founded the legal powerhouse Ziffren Brittenham LLP. Together, they created a household that valued both achievement and empathy.
Heather and Skip married in 1992, and Kristina is their only child together. Her father also has older daughters from a previous marriage, making Kristina part of a blended and close-knit family.
Despite being raised amid celebrity culture, Kristina has always guarded her privacy. Unlike her mother, she rarely appears at public events or in entertainment news. Whether she is married or has children remains undisclosed — a deliberate choice that reflects her focus on work and social causes rather than fame.
It’s evident, however, that her parents’ influence runs deep: Heather’s dedication to advocacy and Skip’s sharp legal mind helped shape Kristina’s balance of compassion and professionalism.
Career Journey
Kristina’s professional path mirrors her multidimensional education — bridging law, education, and nonprofit leadership.
Early Legal Career
After law school, she was admitted to the California Bar in 2005 and quickly gained recognition for her excellence in public-interest law. She began as a litigator and clerked for a federal judge before moving into child advocacy. Her legal work often involved representing vulnerable populations, particularly children in foster care or low-income families.
By 2009, Super Lawyers Magazine recognized her as a “Rising Star” — a title reserved for promising attorneys making significant early-career impact.
Shift Toward Advocacy and Education
Despite early success in law, Kristina’s heart was drawn to education and social development. She began working on child-welfare initiatives and early-learning programs, seeking to address the root causes of inequality rather than the aftermath.
Her graduate research at UCLA explored how socioeconomic factors affect early childhood education — a theme she would later implement in her nonprofit work. She collaborated with educators, social workers, and community leaders to design policies improving educational access for underserved children.
Leadership at Nest Global
In 2023, Kristina took a defining career step: joining Nest Global as Co-Chief Executive Officer. The nonprofit (formerly the Pedagogical Institute of Los Angeles) focuses on providing high-quality early-childhood education to children affected by poverty, migration, and displacement.
As Co-CEO, Kristina oversees Nest Global’s growing domestic portfolio, which includes preschool initiatives in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities. Her leadership style combines academic insight with practical strategy — ensuring the organization remains both compassionate and operationally strong.
Under her tenure, Nest Global has expanded outreach, built partnerships with educational institutions, and refined curricula tailored for displaced and refugee children. Her background in law and policy helps her navigate complex regulatory frameworks, while her passion for education keeps the mission people-centered.
Other Leadership Roles
Beyond Nest Global, Kristina serves on the Leadership Council of Conservation International as Vice-Chair and is an Advisory Board member for the UCLA Lab School. These roles underscore her broader commitment to sustainability and lifelong learning.
Life Challenges & Turning Points
While Kristina’s life may appear charmed from the outside, it hasn’t been without crossroads. One of her biggest turning points was the decision to step away from a lucrative legal career to join the nonprofit sector — a move that prioritized purpose over profit.
Another subtle challenge has been navigating life in the shadow of famous parents. With a mother who was a beloved 1980s television star and a father known for representing Hollywood’s elite, Kristina had to consciously forge her own identity — one rooted in intellect, integrity, and service rather than celebrity.
Her work in early childhood education also comes with daily challenges. Leading programs for displaced children means confronting trauma, scarcity, and systemic inequities. Yet colleagues describe her as “steady, pragmatic, and quietly powerful” — the kind of leader who inspires by example rather than volume.
Current Life & Career
Today, Kristina Brittenham splits her time between leadership, advocacy, and field engagement. As Co-CEO of Nest Global, she continues to guide domestic operations, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives. The organization’s mission — to provide safe, quality preschool education to children in crisis — remains central to her daily work.
Based in Santa Monica, California, she collaborates with global educators, policymakers, and donors to scale Nest Global’s programs. Though she keeps her personal life low-key, her professional footprint continues to grow.
By combining expertise in policy, research, and empathy, Kristina Brittenham exemplifies impactful leadership that advances education and well-being for vulnerable children.
Net Worth & Financial Status
While Kristina’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, most reports suggest it is in the “several million” range — primarily due to her professional accomplishments and family background.
However, she is not known for lavish living. Her public roles indicate a lifestyle centered on service rather than luxury. As a nonprofit executive, her income is modest compared to corporate CEOs, though she likely benefits from family investments and long-term financial stability.
Her wealth, in essence, supports impact rather than indulgence — enabling her to champion causes without financial constraints.
Public Image & Media Presence
Unlike her mother’s Hollywood fame, Kristina’s public image is grounded in substance and social good. She rarely gives interviews, maintains a limited social-media presence, and prefers collaborative visibility through her organization’s work.
In the media, she is often portrayed as:
- A thoughtful and mission-driven leader, bridging law and education.
- A modern humanitarian, redefining privilege through service.
- A connector, bringing together academic institutions, donors, and grassroots educators.
Her blend of intellect and humility sets her apart in a world where nonprofit leadership is often overshadowed by performative activism.
Fun Facts & Anecdotes
- Kristina was once a “Rising Star” attorney in California’s legal rankings before pivoting to advocacy.
- She reportedly co-founded an online coalition connecting child-welfare organizations across the U.S. before joining Nest Global.
- Her academic research at UCLA centered on the effects of economic disparity on early childhood development.
- She’s been known to mentor young lawyers and educators, encouraging them to align their professional skills with meaningful causes.
- Friends describe her as “brilliant but grounded,” often found hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains or reading psychology journals rather than attending galas.
Conclusion
Kristina Brittenham’s journey is a portrait of purpose in motion. Born into privilege, she chose to use her advantages to lift others — particularly the youngest and most vulnerable among us.
Her journey demonstrates that true legacy is measured by the positive impact made on others. Through roles in law and education, Kristina connects intellect, empathy, and action to make a lasting difference for those in need.
As Co-CEO of Nest Global, she continues to help children who need safe, nurturing places to learn and grow — proving that the most meaningful spotlight is the one you shine on others.
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(FAQs)
1: Who is Kristina Brittenham?
Kristina Brittenham is an American lawyer, educator, and nonprofit leader. She is the daughter of actress Heather Thomas and attorney Skip Brittenham and currently serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer of Nest Global.
2: What is Kristina Brittenham known for?
She is best known for her leadership in early childhood education initiatives and her role at Nest Global, which provides education to displaced and underserved children.
3: Is Kristina Brittenham married or does she have children?
There is no public information confirming her marital status or whether she has children — she maintains a private personal life.
4: What is Kristina Brittenham’s educational background?
She holds degrees from Brown University, Boston College Law School, and UCLA, combining law, policy, and human development studies.
5: What is her estimated net worth?
Though not officially disclosed, Kristina’s net worth is believed to be in the several-million-dollar range, supported by her professional work and family background.