Iva was born in Carson City Nevada, but grew up in Clovis California. She has 4 older brothers all Martial Arts instructors, three half brothers and two half sisters. Iva has one child, a daughter. At the age of 24 Iva was an EMT working on the ambulance and in the ER in Los Angeles and Fresno, CA. Iva has been acting professionally for over 28 years, Iva was accepted into the prestigious Sal Dano Actor's Workshop, taught by Sal Dano: the late and legendary acting coach. She was also accepted into the Groundlings and trained in various other techniques for over 14 years. She has appeared in over 25 independent feature films. She's guest starred and recurred on several shows, to name a few: "Blood Relatives", NBC's "Las Vegas" along side James Caan, FOX's Sci Fi series "Space Above and Beyond", "Tim and Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job".
Iva is very involved with animal rescue and several other charitable organizations. In 2008 Iva was one of the top fundraisers for the City of Hope's Underwear Affair (finding a cure for all cancers below the waist). Iva is on the Board of Directors of "Jodi's Voice" an anti-stalking organization. She also works along side several victims rights advocates in order to help change legislation to protect victims of violent crimes and restructure the victims' notification system. As well they work toward protection of victims and their families, not only Calif. but also the entire United States. Iva is on the Board of Directors of the "Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival" overseeing all documentary films. Iva is also the Co-Founder of "Squrrul Gurl Productions".