She attended Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts college for the deaf in the world.

Stern got her first regular series role as Holly Brodeen, a member of an elite government anti-terrorist task force in ABC's Threat Matrix.

The role was created for her by the show's producers after a director who had worked with her on The Division recommended her.

[4] She had a recurring role in Showtime's Weeds (as Megan Beals-Botwin) and was also on ER, Providence and Cold Case.

She also appeared in the popular music video "Yes We Can", written by will.i.am for the Barack Obama campaign.