She grew up in St. Charles County, then attended Truman State University and earned a degree in Communications Journalism. She spent time at the Poynter Institute in Florida before returning to St. Charles to cover government, politics and education for the Suburban Journals. Now she's editor of St. Charles Patch and is excited to cover a growing, historic community. When Kalen's not writing, she likes baking pies, building furniture, running and reading.﻿