Christen M. Hernandez joined CCW in 2023 as the Director of Treble Chorus and Musicianship Curriculum Coordinator. Christen currently leads the choral music program for grades 5-8 at National Cathedral School, where she also spearheaded the development and implementation of the Kodály-based choral curriculum. Since her arrival in 2016, NCS choirs under her direction perform regularly at the Washington National Cathedral and are in-demand in the DC metro area, having performed in venues including National Christmas Tree, EagleBank Arena, Nationals Park, the Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall. Christen is also active as a freelance soloist, clinician, adjudicator and conductor in partnership with the many choral organizations in the city.

Christen earned undergraduate degrees in both Voice and Music Education from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Music Education from The Hartt School, University of Hartford. Her graduate research at The Hartt School focused on student self-efficacy, motivation, and resiliency in a mastery-based vocal music program. She holds multiple certificates from the American Organization of Kodály Educators and the Feierabend Association for Music Education.