Christen Freund

I'm the Executive Director of Hope on the Hard Road, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Escondido, California, where I've been serving since 2019. In this role, I focus on executive management and nonprofit leadership—guiding the organization's mission, operations, and community impact. I work in a hybrid model that allows me to lead effectively while staying deeply connected to the people and communities we serve.

Before stepping into nonprofit leadership, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University in 1997. That background gave me a strong foundation in understanding human performance, wellness, and the science of movement—perspectives I continue to draw on in my work today.

Leading Hope on the Hard Road has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career. Every day, I get to help people navigate difficult circumstances and find hope when the road gets hard. That's not just the name of our organization—it's the reason I show up.