Born and raised in Costa Mesa, California. Attended Newport Harbor High School, where she played a "very committed" dead person in "Our Town." Received a BA in Theatre from California State University, Fullerton. Casting director, Mali Finn, spotted James in a CSUF production and helped her get her SAG card with an appearance in Joel Schumacher's "Flatliners". Received an MFA in Acting from the University of California, Irvine. Lived and worked for ten years in New York. There, James began to work regularly in television, film, regional theatre, commercials, and voice-overs. Appeared on stage with three time, Tony-nominated actor, Brian Murray, and worked with Emmy-award winning actor, Michael J. Fox, and Emmy and Golden Globe awards winner, Mariska Hargitay. Moved back to So Cal to accept a position at California State University, Fullerton, where she's a Professor of Voice/Movement. She is a certified Fitzmaurice Voice Work Instructor and certified yoga instructor. She lives with her husband/actor, Michael Polak, in Fullerton, California.