Kristine Sullivan worked at Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC) for 15 years before coming to DRRI. At DRNC, she served as the supervising attorney for the investigations and monitoring unit. Her work focused on investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, or suspicious deaths; monitoring the care and treatment provided at facilities throughout the state; advocating for policy changes; and enforcing the P&A’s unique access authority under federal law.

In 2022, Kristine joined DRRI to focus on systemic advocacy, or efforts to change and improve systems that serve our clients. Her particular focus is to ensure the state fulfills the promise of Olmstead, so that all Rhode Islanders with disabilities can live, learn, and work in the communities of their choice. In her role as Legal Director, Kristine also provides legal support to the Investigations Team.

Kristine earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her law degree from UNC School of Law. She is conversant in American Sign Language and is the author of a manual for attorneys and advocates who represent students in matters related to seclusion and restraint in schools.

In her free time, Kristine loves traveling and live music.