Born Leader

BY AMBER TUELLER

Kristen Foster is a born-and-raised local. She lived in Aurora and Parker as a child, attending Northeast Elementary and Parker Vista Junior High, now called Sierra Middle School. She graduated from Ponderosa High School, the only high school in Parker at the time. Kristen and her high school sweetheart husband, John, have been married for 17 years. Their three kids, Holden, Lucas, and Taylor, ages 9 to 14, keep them busy. Their family has lived in Castle Rock for sixteen years. Kristen has seen many changes in the area and has been active in the community all along the way. She’s had the chance to find success in multiple arenas.

Kristen attended both CU Denver and Metro, earning a behavioral science major with a business minor. Having cheered in high school, Kristen returned to cheerleading as an assistant coach while still in college, and then was the head coach for 5 or 6 years. She loved coaching and had great accomplishments. She led her team to become League Champions, runner-up at the state competition, and was even voted coach of the year in 2010 by fellow coaches. Kristen had her first baby in 2009. When she became pregnant with her second child, she retired from coaching. Working and coaching full time became a lot to handle; it was time to focus on her family. Her third child came soon after. She is still in touch with many girls and fellow coaches from the cheer world.

Kristen has always been close to her parents and worked for their portable restroom company, Super Bowl. She did accounting and billing, managed the office, and led the office staff. She was there for 20 years until they sold the business in 2019. Through Covid Kristen had the chance to be home with her kids, and she and John soon started looking for a new venture. They bought Spas of Parker and began there in January of 2022. In the last year and a half, she has been able to get to know the solid clientele base that Wally, the previous owner, maintained. They have also put up extra signage and advertising to attract more. She has enjoyed getting to know different people in the community.

Kristen really likes both Castle Rock and Parker due to their community events and small town feel from quaint mainstreets to local shops. She loves the area. She said it is fun that her kids go to the same schools she did, where she volunteers and stays involved. Kristen loves to be busy and social. She is always going and doing and meeting people. She is a born leader. Throughout her life she has played the role of leader in many capacities: cheerleader, coach, mother, manager, business owner. That is where she shines. She likes to be around people, likes talking to people, and enjoys leading people. In our community, her impact is felt.

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

Key

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15 $$ ............................... $15-$25

$$$ ......................... Over $25

(EC) Editors Choice

(N) New

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE ASIAN GRILL

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$