Grace is a native of Botetourt County and a 1983 graduate of James River High School. Following graduation from high school, she attended Longwood College, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and obtained a Virginia Teaching Certificate. Employed by Botetourt County School System since 1990, Grace has been an 8th grade physical science teacher at Read Mountain Middle School for eight years. She is an active participant in the community, and and also coaches track and instructs gifted and talented students.