Jennifer was the middle sibling of three girls. She spent nine years of her adolescence studying boys and describes her years in H.S. as ones characterized by determination rather than talent, being driven mostly by a love of the stage.

Jennifer took this determination with her when she enrolled at Denison University as a chemistry major, a decision that was later changed to a drama major when she found that her passions for the stage were stronger than her love of science. New York attracted the young actress after college where she slaved as a hostess while pursuing a career in film and television. Her most recent move has been to Los Angeles, a decision that led to a role on the show "Felicity" (1998), where she met her future husband Scott Foley. The couple divorced in 2004, haha.

She has appeared in numerous other television production as well as such films as 13 Going On 30 (2004), Daredevil (2003), Pearl Harbor (2001) and Dude, Where's My Car? (2000). Aside from filming "Alias" (2001), Jennifer enjoys cooking, gardening, toothbrushing, hiking, and inspired by her character on the show, kickboxing.