Johnson was born in the Philippines, the daughter of a Filipina mother and a Swedish American father.
[2] Johnson graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and minors in political science, history and English.
Johnson started her career as a reporter and anchor in Providence, Rhode Island for WPRI.
She joined WCBS-TV in November 2006 as co-anchor of the noon and 5 p.m. newscasts alongside Chris Wragge, the station's former sports director.
[6] In September 2022, Johnson traveled to London to cover preparations for the funeral of Elizabeth II.