She won the role over hundreds of other applicants when executive producer Nick Powell was struck by her outstanding childcare skills, her sincerity and candid style that now helps to her transform families and instill positive, lasting results. She debuted in the UK in the summer of 2004 with just three episodes, and became an overnight sensation, garnering widespread popularity and acclaim. She made "Naughty Step" and "Your behavior is very naughty!" national catchphrases, and even got a rave in the House of Commons on a discussion about preventing the causes of anti-social behavior.

When the U.S. version of her show debuted in January 2005, it became an instant ratings hit, and Jo won national praise from TV critics and columnists, including Newsweek and The New York Times, among many others. She appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Live with Regis & Kelly and The Late Show with David Letterman, as well as on other major national programs. Her companion book to the series, Supernanny: How to Get the Best from Your Children (Hyperion Books), spent 17 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, hitting No. 1 for much of that time. The program was recently nominated for a People's Choice Award.

Jo says that children have been a big part of her life from the beginning. She's always had a gift for connecting with kids on their own level, and began babysitting as a teenager. After college she embarked on nannying as a career, and over 16 years she has honed her successful methods of child-rearing with hands-on, real-life experience. She has managed all manner of child-rearing challenges -- from potty training and sibling rivalry to sleep issues and tantrums -- over her years working in temporary, long-term and trouble-shooting jobs.

When she is not criss-crossing the U.S. or UK shooting new episodes of the series, Jo lives in London.