Founder & Head of School

Kristin Linder

MA, Georgetown University
MA, George Mason University

BA, Louisiana State University

Kristin Linder is the founder and Head of School at The Linder Academy, where she leads with a blend of scientific expertise, educational innovation, and deep personal commitment to students and families. A developmental psychologist with a strong background in cognitive neuroscience and learning differences, Kristin has spent her career helping children thrive—both in and out of traditional academic environments.

Since 2008, Kristin has supported thousands of families navigating learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, and special education systems. In fact, she is one of just 450 individuals nationwide to have earned the Certificate in Special Education Advocacy from William & Mary Law.

Kristin holds a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology, where her graduate work focused on cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychopathology, cognitive development, and molecular neuropharmacology. She is currently completing her doctoral work (Ph.D.) in psychology, with a research focus on numeracy, reasoning biases, and how young minds build cognitive frameworks.

Before founding The Linder Academy in Old Town, Kristin built one of the region’s most respected tutoring and IEP advocacy firms, Linder Educational Coaching—winning awards for Best of Arlington in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and Best of Northern Virginia in 2017. Kristin was awarded a spot on the "One to Watch Under 40" list in 2017 and the "Face of Educational Coaching" in 2020.

Under Kristin’s leadership, The Linder Academy has become known as one of the top schools in the region for combining academic rigor with meaningful inclusion. Its reputation for serving both neurodiverse and gifted learners in a truly integrated, student-centered environment has attracted families from across Northern Virginia and beyond. Linder is frequently cited for its innovative approach, blending evidence-based academics with real-world application, social-emotional learning, and individualized support. The school has been featured in Northern Virginia Magazine, Arlington Magazine, and on local radio shows for its innovative, whole-child approach. As the school continues to grow, so does its reputation as a model for what education can be when students are met with both high expectations and deep care.

Kristin lives in Old Town Alexandria with her two sons, Aubry and Wesley. Outside of work, you may find Kristin competing in mountain biking races or training for extreme endurance challenges like the Mongol Derby, the world’s toughest horse race—evidence of the same grit and vision she brings to her work with students every day.