[1] Born in Denver, Reiss moved to Essex Center, Vermont in 1967, where she attended elementary and secondary schools.

[2] From 1992 until 2001, Reiss practiced law with the firm of Sheehey, Brue, Gray & Furlong in Burlington, Vermont.

[2][3] In July 2009, United States Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he had recommended that Reiss be nominated by President Barack Obama to the United States District Court for the District of Vermont, to fill the seat vacated by Judge John Garvan Murtha, who assumed senior status.

[4] On October 9, 2009, Obama announced his intent to nominate Reiss to the district court seat.

The United States Senate confirmed Reiss by unanimous consent on November 21, 2009.