Kirsten Monson was born in Utah, but at a young age began to make the world her home. She graduated from high school in Germany, then attended BYU as a Presidential Scholar where she met her husband, Keyne. They both graduated with degrees in Statistics and headed to Boston where Kirsten pursued her lifelong dreams of becoming a mother and teacher. During this period Kirsten gave birth to three sons and founded Sunshine Music School.
In 2002 the Monsons moved to Minnesota where they added a girl to their family and where Kirsten continued her teaching. The family then lived overseas in Switzerland and Singapore, during which time Kirsten and Keyne founded Elevita, a nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged artisans in developing countries provide for their families. Three more boys and two moves later, the couple returned to Utah where Kirsten continues to run Elevita and nurture their growing family.