Sandra grew up in New York City and received a degree in psychology from The CityCollegeofNewYork. She received a master's degree in Developmental Psychology from Harvard University. She also holds a master's degree from the University of Hartford's Barney School of government. As a non-partisan employee for the Connecticut State Legislature, she served as a Transportation Fiscal Analyst. Prior to that employ, she conducted research for the nationally-acclaimed children's television show Sesame Street.
She studied ballet with Igor Youskevitch in New York City, and at the former Hartford School of Ballet.