Kirsten Nelson

Kirsten Nelson (born October 3, 1970) is an American actress and director best known for her role as police chief Karen Vick on the TV series Psych.

Early life and education
Kirsten Nelson was born in Enid, Oklahoma and raised in Chicago. Nelson grew up playing the piano and singing, and has said "I wanted to be a concert pianist at Carnegie Hall, that is what I wanted to do from really early on." Nelson graduated from Northwestern University.

Career
Nelson was a founding member of Chicago's Roadworks Theatre Ensemble before moving to Los Angeles in 1995.

She is known for her starring role as Police Chief Karen Vick on Psych.

Nelson's career includes roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (as Lorraine), The O'Keefes (as Ellie O'Keefe), Baby's Day Out, The Fugitive, Frasier, Ally McBeal, The West Wing, Just Shoot Me! and Boy Meets World. She played Danielle Bishop in four episodes of 2018's K.C. Undercover.

Personal life
Nelson is an ELCA Lutheran. She married in 1995 and has two children.