Krista I Winn Ph.D.

Krista was born in Buffalo, New York on September 20th, 1966. After being adopted by her parents, Irene and Fran Petersen, she spent the majority of her childhood in Texas. She later attended Texas Tech University and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology; a M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies; and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her intelligence and free-spirited personality guided her to pursue many exciting careers such as: an Academic Advisor, Dean's Assistant, Marriage and Family Therapist, for various departments within Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Krista also served in the Air Force in her early college years, and co-piloted a United States Air Force "Shooting Star" in 1986. She was extremely passionate about helping others, especially those suffering from co-occurring disorders.

In 1997 Krista moved to Clearwater Beach, Florida and worked as the Research & Development Director for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County. There, she enjoyed endless time on the beach, and constant weekend boating out of The Maximo Boat and Yacht Club, in St. Petersburg, FL.

From there she moved to Portland, OR and became the Director of the Rosemont School and Treatment Center for Morrison Child & Family Services, and was married to John P. Spezza for 10 years.

Krista had a tremendous love for travel, music, ethnic food, exercise, art, film noir movies and going on "as many adventures as possible." Krista also had a special fondness for the Autumn season, harvest festivals, and finding new areas to explore the Pacific Northwest. But, most of all, she "loved being by the water- particularly the ocean."

She is survived by her caring best friend Mitchell Zambrano, her two brothers Keith and Jamie Petersen, along with her nephews, nieces and many loved ones in Texas, and her daughter who was the center of her world, Sienna Alexis Spezza. Krista will be forever missed by the family and friends she had during her resilient life.

The memorial service will be held next Saturday, April 6th at St. John Fisher Church, (4567 SW Nevada St., Portland, OR. 97219), beginning at 1PM for the repose of her beautiful soul, and the reception will be held shortly after the requiem Mass.

Please contact (971) 678-4142 to leave a message for her family, or any further information regarding the celebration of life.