The Fosters is about to get a visit from a tumultuous new character, Becka, a frenemy to Callie played by the incredibly articulate and down-to-earth Annamarie Kenoyer. When not out in LA shooting, this young actress (previously seen on hits like Medium and Southland) works at a vintage clothing store where she observes the world around her and deepens her craft.

About her character on the ABC Family hit show, Annamarie says, “Becka’s really been through a lot…she’s kind of stuck. She wants to mature and be happy but she has a really hard time figuring out how to do that.” Creating this character was no small task, since, according to the actress, “she puts up a lot of barriers around herself, doesn’t let anybody in,” she says. “Becka is always on the brink of an emotional breakdown!”

But Annamarie rises to this occasion. “I liked playing her!” she says proudly. “I like that she’s so vulnerable at all times. She really tries to put up this very hard exterior. She’s easy to sympathize with.” In relation to Callie (played by Maia Mitchell), Annamarie observes “she’s pretty antagonistic towards (Callie). She sees Callie as someone whose problems are pretty manageable.”

As for Becka’s problems, they are pretty involved. In preparing to take on issues of substance abuse, Annamarie did not want to go the expected route and simply do research on the internet. “I wanted to seek out a real person who has had an experience like that,” she shares. “I talked to a friend of a friend who’s dealt with substance problems, and that was really helpful.”

Her experience on the set of The Fosters was an exceptional one. “The directors were really good about letting actors do whatever they needed to do to prepare,” she remembers. And of the cast, she was so impressed by their collective dynamic. “They are all really emotionally supportive of each other!”

In terms of her character’s evolution on the show in the episodes to come, Annamarie can’t tell us much, but had this to say: “Becka grows throughout the show, even if she’s reluctant to show people how much she’s growing.” And as for a takeaway, her troubled character can hold a strong message for viewers: “It’s OK to hit a really low point in your life, and even if you’re feeling like there’s no one out there…there are people out there who will help you. There’s so much love in the world, it would be a shame not trying to find it. You are a complete person and you are worth being loved!”

The Fosters airs on ABC Family on Monday’s at 9pm.