Education

Univesity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA, Class of 2006

University of Michigan, MSW, Class of 2012

Certificate in International Social Work, University of Michigan, 2012

Certificate Program in Behavioral Health & Criminal Justice, CUCS, 2016

Certificate Program in Forensic Social Work, National Organization of Forensic Social Work, 2017

The Bronx Defenders

2014-2020

As the Senior Criminal Defense Social Worker in the homicide practice, Kristen composed written mitigation reports based on extensive interviewing, investigation, and record reviews.  She worked with investigators and attorneys on integrated legal teams to inform case strategy, prepare clients for trial, and create compelling narratives to humanize her clients and reduce the time they spend in jail or prison.  Previously, as a Criminal Defense Social Worker, Kristen advocated in court for mitigated sentences and non-incarceratory dispositions for clients charged with serious felonies and misdemeanors. In addition, she worked as a social worker in the immigration practice as part of the first ever universal representation project for detained immigrants in deportation proceedings.  As such, Kristen pioneered the use of mitigation in immigration court by providing detailed psychosocial histories to the court and testifying as an expert witness on behalf of clients facing permanent exile from their communities.

The Southern Poverty Law Center

2012-2014

Kristen worked with teams of attorneys, paralegals, and advocates on multi-strategy juvenile justice, education, and prisoner rights campaigns. She performed extensive field investigation to gather information for legal action, including conducting interviews related to conditions of confinement with incarcerated individuals and other investigations into civil rights abuses. She maintained close relationships with plaintiffs of lawsuits and facilitated communication between clients and the legal team.