Did you always know you wanted to be an actor?
I made my decision to be an actress when I was 14 and performed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz in Palm Springs. It was my first real experience being out on stage in front of thousands of people. Theres nothing like feeling the energy and the applause from a live audience. And feeling the happinessyou can feel how much people are enjoying themselves. That was so empowering, to feel other peoples emotions.

What was your career path after The Wizard of Oz?
After The Wizard of Oz, I was definitely bitten by the bug. The same company that did The Wizard of Oz put on Jesus Christ Superstar. I auditioned for that and played part of the ensemble. Then I moved to Las Vegas and I got Viva Las Vegas at the Sands Hotel, which was a variety show. I did Maria in West Side Story in Austin, Texas and Grease on Broadway in New York. I did Pygmalion in Cypress, Turkey, which was a blast. I tried to do what I could while still going to school.

How did the role of Passions come about you?
My New Years resolution of 1999 was to go for television and film, because I was only doing theater before that. Id been in Los Angeles for a year. I switched agencies to focus more on TV and film. The second audition I went on was Passions and I got it! When I read for Theresa, I really connected to the part. I had gotten some background information on the character, which said she was seventeen and a dreamer, and loves fairy tales and romance, like I do. She was also very passionate, which is very like me.

If you were Theresas friend, what advice would you give her? Just to focus on her fashion career more now that Ethan and Gwen are going to get married. Maybe if she focuses more on her career she wont think about Ethan as much. Its hard, but thats what we try to do when we have a broken heart.

What do you like best and least about working on Passions?
The best is all the actors I work with. I love the costumes I get to wear. I love the writing and the scripts and I love my character. The thing I like least is getting up at 4am to be at work at 6am. But Im not complainingIm so blessed and lucky to have this job. Im the luckiest person and Im really happy.

How has your life changed since you started working on Passions?
Its proved to me that Im capable of a lot of hard workthat I can do more. Its given me more courage and self-confidence, and thats changed my life. I go out with people more than I ever did. I used to not hang out with many people because I didnt feel comfortable with myself. Now, I spend time with people. And, since working on Passions, I got another dog, Nikki.

Whats been the most exciting thing to happen to you since working on Passions?
Being nominated for a Soap Opera Digest Award. That was incredible.

What was your reaction when you found about the nomination?
I was in the makeup room and I got a call from (Executive Producer) Lisa Hesser. I got freaked outI was wondering what I did! Then she told me I got nominated. After that, my left leg got all tingly because I was so excited.

If you do win the award for Outstanding Female Newcomer, who will you thank?
Jesse had said that he wasnt going to prepare anything, and Im not either. If it does happen, I will go up there and thank my hair and makeup people, wardrobe, the producers, and of course, Jim Reilly. Then Id especially thank my family and a few friends, people who have made changes in my life. And my family on the show, and Brook and Travisthe people I play with the most. And my dogs, Nikki and Princess.

Since were here at your house, how did you go about decorating it? What kind of feel did you want for it?
Ever since I can remember, Ive been really into Madame Alexander dolls. Theyre very fairy tale like. I kind of got thrown into that fantasy world, which makes sense as an actress. As an actress, you really are in a fantasy world. I got into collecting things that sparkle. I love crystals, so I have crystal angels, dragons, castles, and fairies. Then I got into flowers and dried flowers. I kind of developed my own style as I grew up and brought that style here where I finally have my own place. Most of the rooms are really romantic. I feel very comfortable at home. Everythings really soft.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Im trying to also work on my singing career and get that going. Im working on writing my own music and trying to get it recorded. And I spend a lot of time with my dogs. I go to movies, go to dinner with friends, and I just like to hang at home.

What are you most proud of in your life?
I think where I am right now, mentally and spiritually. Ive worked hard all my life, and I dont think Ive ever really enjoyed my life as much as I do now. Im just really happy and fortunate now. And I think thats what Im most proud offinally realizing how much I have.

If you werent a performer, what would you be?
A math teacher. I love math. I would be honored to teach math to kids.

Whats something people would be surprised to know about you? I love to munch on M&Ms with peanuts and almonds in my popcorn.

What three words would you use to describe yourself? Focused, determined, and loving.