 Kinnaman was born and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where she attended Holyoke High School, and later, the Williston Northampton School in Easthampton.After graduating from high school, Kinnaman relocated to New York City, where she appeared in several Off-Broadway productions, and attempted to obtain roles in soap operas, as well as appearing in commercials.She relocated to Los Angeles in 1982, and eight months later appeared in a thirteen-week run of "General Hospital".