Kristi is a native North Dakotan who grew up on her family's dairy farm near Ashley, North Dakota.

She completed her undergraduate education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in 1998, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in communications. Kristi received her Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2001.

Kristi began working for the firm as a legal clerk during law school, before becoming an associate and later a partner. Her practice areas include representing public entities including schools, cities, counties and townships, handling complex employment litigation, human resources support and defending public entities in litigation matters.

Minnesota Law & Politics has named Kristi a Rising Star two years in a row. This distinction is based upon a survey of Minnesota lawyers ranking outstanding up-and-coming young lawyers in Minnesota. She was also named one of fifteen "Up and Coming Attorneys" in the state by Minnesota Lawyer. Only two of the recipients were from outside the Minneapolis metro area. She is licensed in all courts in the state of Minnesota and has handled complex cases involving everything from breach of contract to sexual exploitation.

Kristi, her husband Jason, their daughter Ava Lilly, and son Dane, have made Fergus Falls their home. Jason also practices law in Fergus Falls. In her spare time, Kristi enjoys creative endeavors such as painting, jewelry making, and woodworking, as well as any activities that will keep her and the family outdoors.

Active in the community, Kristi is on several local boards including:
President of the American Association of University Women, Fergus Falls.
Board of Directors of Claire Ann Shover Nursery School
Board of Directors of The 544 Foundation
Board of Directors of the Minnesota Council of School Attorneys.

She also served as President of the Otter Tail County Bar Association and the Seventh District Bar Association.