Ms. Franklin was born and raised in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.  She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.  As an undergraduate, Ms. Franklin was nominated Most Outstanding Psychology Student by the University Faculty and was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, where she served as Vice President, Pledge Educator.  Ms. Franklin also received a B.S. in Education from Northern Kentucky University, where she graduated with highest academic honors.  After being licensed to teach in both Kentucky and Ohio, Ms. Franklin taught History and Reading for three years within the Cincinnati Public School System.

Ms. Franklin came to Knoxville in 2004 to attend the University of Tennessee College of Law.  As a law student, Ms. Franklin was awarded both the Stolnitz and Westlaw Academic Scholarships, and graduated with high academic honors.  As an active student member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Ms. Franklin attended several state-wide training conferences.  She also served as a Judicial Clerk for Honorable Judge Richard R. Baumgartner and Honorable Judge Mary Beth Leibowitz in the Criminal Courts for Knox County, Tennessee.