Earned a B.A. from Chapman University, as well as a J.D. (law degree) from California Western School of Law, and a M.S.W. (Masters in Social Work) from San Diego State University.
Was an accomplished gymnast from childhood to her early 20s.
After graduating from college, she interned for First Lady Hillary Clinton in 1997. She has also worked on a variety of political campaigns, including Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, and for the Anti-Defamation League.