She was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and grew up in small town Kearny, New Jersey. She moved with her husband and two daughters to North Carolina in 2007, and considers Charlotte home. Ms. Johannes finished her last year of high school at the Ataulfo Alves School in São Paulo, Brazil, and upon returning to the States, went on to be listed as an achiever of academic excellence in “Who’s Who Among American Junior Colleges.” She met her husband, Angus, in English 101, where they competed which each other for top of class. She graduated in the top 2% of her undergraduate class, and with magna cum laude honors, from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, having double majored in English and Criminal Justice. Kenia Johannes, Esq.