On television, Kristen was a series regular on "Winnetka Road" as MayBeth, a divorced mother of three and secretary to Ed Begley, Jr.'s character, had a recurring role on the series "Silk Stalkings" as clothing designer and former model Annie Overstreet, and has guest-starred on "Cheers," "Mad About You," "Dear John," "Murder She Wrote," "Quantum Leap" and "Doogie Howser, MD". She recently won critical praise for her performance in the Afterschool Special "The Long Road Home," in which she played a young wife who initially has trouble relating to her husband's son, but eventually becomes close friends with him.

Her first feature film role was the female lead as a bomb specialist defecting from the army in "Megaville" opposite Billy Zane. Additional credits include lead parts in "Caged Fear" with David Keith and "A Part of the Family." She also had featured roles in "Stay Tuned," "Mistress" and "The Marrying Man."

Kristen was born September 2 in Van Nuys, California. She attended California State University, Northridge. In addition to her acting, she is the associate artistic director of The Alliance Repertory Company in Burbank, California, where she writes, produces and directs. She is most proud of her critically acclaimed direction of the world premiere of "Dirty Mustard" by Gina Wendkos.

On SPACE: ABOVE AND BEYOND, Kristen portrays Shane Vansen.