Birds of a Feather
Santa Cruz
About Kris
I became a licensed elementary school teacher in 2005. For 17 years I have been helping students develop their unique identities as learners. I have applied a student-centered approach to education across the curriculum as a classroom teacher, K-5 science specialist, and naturalist. I bring this passion for helping students learn about themselves as readers, writers, scientists and mathematicians to individualized sessions. The dream is to create a supportive space for students to discover who they are, what lights them up, and what they can contribute to the world.
I recognize that the lack of representation and reflection of LGBTQ+ students’ experiences inside and outside of school can impact their ability to thrive. With an awareness of the unique and complex experience of each student, I create a supportive learning environment where students can relax and learn while being completely themselves.
With all of this in mind, I have created Birds of a Feather to reach towards LGBTQ+ students who seek an academic space where their experience is seen and celebrated by another member of the LGBTQ+ community.
I identify as non-binary and love to be referred to as Kris. While preferring to use the pronouns kris/kris's, I also use they/them pronouns.
Proud to be a 2023 Nominee
of the QYLA Ally to Queer Youth Award
Birds of a Feather on the Airwaves
In this podcast, originally recorded on 12/7/25, Think Local First Santa Cruz board members Susan O'Connor Fraser and Janet Romanowski, talk to Kris Kifer of Birds of a Feather Tutoring and their involvement in the Santa Cruz Gives 2025 Holiday Fund Raising campaign.
Tutoring by Bike
In the past six years, I've logged over 6,000 miles on my bike traveling from session to session. Biking is a lot like tutoring: it's a time to slow down and attune with yourself, your environment, and the creatures around you. From that present and curious place comes meaningful learning and discovery!
Fun fact: I once did a solo bike tour spanning 1,000 miles down the West Coast. With my trusty BOB trailer and a humble camp stove, I pedaled from the Washington state fog through the redwood forest all the way to the San Francisco Bay.