Her best-known role was that of Nancy Oleson on the Little House on the Prairie series[1]: 611  which she portrayed from 1981 to 1983.

Prior she worked as a guest star in numerous syndicated television shows, such as Quincy and CHIPS, after school specials, national commercial advertising campaigns, such as Coca-Cola, M&M's, KFC, Vivitar Camera, Minute Maid Orange Juice, and portrayed Chrissy Roberts in the syndicated TV sitcom The Life and Times of Eddie Roberts (1980).

[2] Balson also portrayed Mary in the indie feature film Broken Blood (2013) for which she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress award.

[citation needed] Balson continues to act in television and film productions.

She is also in the process of producing and recording her third solo album, and released the single called "My Friend" in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Little House on the Prairie tv show.