Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Kristin moved through Rhode Island public schools, earning a diploma from Hope High School in Providence, Rhode Island in 1972.  She earned a BFA in Textile Design in 1980 from The Rhode Island School of Design.  During the ensuing years she held a variety of jobs including, bartender, costume designer, restoration carpenter, sign painter, nanny and teacher, while raising a family.

Since her graduation in 1980, Kristin has worked at Moses Brown School in a number of positions; Photography instructor, Department Chair, Art teacher, Visual Arts Coordinator, founder and director of The Krause Gallery.  In addition, she teaches numerous classes in the Continuing Education Department at The Rhode Island School of Design. 

She earned an MFA, concentrating in Sculpture and Studio Art from The Maryland Institute College of Art in 2005 and has worked as a mentor and assistant to the director of that same program for the past several summers.

Kristin has maintained an active exhibition schedule in Museums and galleries across the country for many years.  She currently lives in Foster RI.