Kyrsten Jellico

Hello! My name is Kyrsten Jellico, I am a Colorado native, a dedicated mother of four, lifelong learner, and aspiring healthcare professional pursuing my education with a strong interest in biology, naturopathic medicine, ethnobotany, and holistic health. I started my college career at Northeast Community College and transferred to ASU online in Fall 2026. As a full-time college student and proud mom, I have learned to balance academic achievement, family responsibilities, personal growth, and long-term professional goals with determination, resilience, and purpose. In addition to my college aspirations, I am simultaneously working towards a career as a police officer with hopes that it will support my financial needs so money does not interfere with my ability to continue my education.  

My educational journey is driven by a desire to better understand the connection between science, nature, and human health. I am especially passionate about holistic and evidence-informed approaches to wellness and the ways traditional plant knowledge, biological sciences, and modern healthcare can work together. My long-term goal is to earn my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a focus in Biomedical Sciences, continue my education as a naturopathic physician, and eventually pursue advanced study in ethnobotany. I hope to use that education to contribute to a more comprehensive approach to healthcare that considers not only illness, but the whole person, their environment, lifestyle, and overall well-being.

Academic excellence and leadership are also important parts of my college experience. I am proud to be a member of both Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), organizations that reflect my commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and continued personal development. I am also excited to further challenge myself academically through Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

Above all, I am proud of the example I am working to set for my children. Returning to school while raising a family has strengthened my work ethic and taught me that meaningful goals are often achieved through persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep growing. I want my children to see that education has no expiration date and that it is possible to pursue ambitious dreams while remaining deeply committed to family.

I hope to bring curiosity, compassion, leadership, and a holistic perspective to the ASU community, while representing a good example of how hard work truly does pay off. I view my education as more than a path toward a degree—it is an opportunity to grow into someone who will use science, knowledge, and empathy to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I desire to achieve my dreams, lead my children towards a resilient goal-oriented mindset, and preserve the expanding knowledge of traditional, indigenous, and ancient approaches to medicine that risk being forgotten.