Kristen Downard (also known as Kristen Elèna) is an American reality-TV personality, educator, and former professional cheerleader. Originally from Princeton, West Virginia, she graduated from Virginia Tech and even taught dance at the Starz Performing Arts studio in Princeton. Downard won the Miss Wilderness Run pageant in 2018 and cheered for NFL teams (see below). Today she lives in Tampa, Florida – working as a school counselor – and appears as a contestant on Fox’s new Fear Factor: House of Fear.
Early Life and Education
Kristen Elèna Downard grew up in Princeton, West Virginia. She attended Princeton High School and then went on to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. At VT she majored in public relations and business leadership and spent three years on the Virginia Tech Hokies cheerleading squad. These years of college – balancing academics with athletics – helped her develop the confidence and leadership skills she uses today. (For example, she even served as a visible representative (VPI) on the VT spirit squad, appearing at events around campus.)
Cheerleading, Dance and Pageant Career
After college, Downard pursued a career in performance. She danced as an NFL cheerleader for two teams: first with the Carolina Panthers TopCats, and later with the Arizona Cardinals’ cheer/dance squad. These roles had her performing high-energy routines on the sidelines of NFL games and at team events. She also earned a beauty title – Miss Wilderness Run 2018 in Virginia – showing her versatility in both athletics and pageantry. Highlights of Downard’s career include:
- Carolina Panthers TopCats (NFL) – Professional cheerleader and dancer for the Panthers’ squad.
- Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader (NFL) – Member of the Cardinals’ dance team.
- Miss Wilderness Run 2018 – Crowned winner of a Virginia beauty-pageant competition.
In addition to performing, Downard gave back locally by teaching dance at Starz Performing Arts in Princeton. All of these experiences – cheering for NFL games, competing in pageants, and teaching dance – built her stage presence and teamwork skills, which would serve her well in later endeavors.
During her NFL cheerleading career, Downard energized fans with her routines. Here she’s shown on the field leading the TopCats squad. In this role she often appeared at Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte) and community events. Her energetic stadium performances and public appearances became a hallmark of her early career, highlighting her confidence and athleticism.
Career as a School Counselor
After several years in entertainment, Downard shifted to education. She earned credentials as a school counselor and now works with young students. In fact, the Hillsborough County public school directory lists “Kristen Downard” as a counselor at Foster Elementary School in Tampa. This aligns with her Fear Factor bio, which also describes her as a “29-year-old School Counselor from Tampa, Florida”. In her counseling role, Downard mentors children through academic and personal challenges. She has said that she wants to use her training to inspire kids – for example, turning around and applying her advice to help herself confront fears.
Fear Factor: House of Fear (Reality TV)
In 2026 Downard joined the cast of Fear Factor: House of Fear, the new season-long reboot of the classic challenge series on Fox/Hulu. The show drops strangers into a spooky setting and tests them with extreme stunts, scary obstacles and psychological games. As WVVA describes it, this series is “a new take on the challenge-based series that tests participants with stunts, obstacles and high-pressure competitions”. Downard competes with a unique mindset: her official bio emphasizes she has a “mindset rooted in emotional resilience”. She even says she wants to demonstrate to her students that “the same guidance she gives her students can help her confront her own deepest fears”. In other words, she is using the competition to show how her background in counseling and teaching can help her face fear head-on.
As one of 14 contestants, Downard is featured throughout the season. Viewers will see her challenge phobias and push her limits in each episode. (Fox’s press materials and the Fear Factor promos highlight her cheerful but determined attitude.) Fans of the show can follow her journey on Fox and Hulu as House of Fear airs.
Conclusion
Kristen Downard’s story is a blend of performance and professionalism. From her West Virginia roots to Virginia Tech, from NFL cheerleader to pageant champion, and finally to school counselor and reality-TV contender, she has worn many hats. Her appearance on Fear Factor: House of Fear is the latest chapter – one that combines everything she’s learned about courage and resilience. As the season unfolds, audiences can tune in to see how her “educator meets adventurer” approach plays out. In the meantime, Downard remains a motivating figure – showing that life can evolve from classroom to stadium to national television, all with the same spirit and dedication.