Actress Shauna Chin is hoping her role on the hit CBS series Criminal Minds will lead to more acting opportunities in Hollywood.

The Montego Bay-born Chin shot scenes for an upcoming episode of the popular television drama this week.

She told Splash how the part came about.

“Over the years I’ve developed a relationship with the casting department for Criminal Minds. When an actor goes in for an audition, it’s important for them to not just focus on landing the role, but also to make an impression,” she said. “I’ve auditioned for them twice before for different episodes and did not get the part. However, I made sure that I stood out to their team, so I got placed on their radar.”

The part is a small one. Chin shares a scene with Matthew Gray Gubler, who plays Dr Spencer Reid, one of the lead characters.

“It’s the opportunity that’s huge. Once you prove that you’re able to book a major prime time television series, larger opportunities become available. So that’s mostly why I’m excited about this particular role,” she explained.

Chin is known by Jamaicans for her role in The Blackburns of Royal Palm Estate. She played Claudine Chambers, love interest of Richard Blackburn (Adam Hyde) and sister of the sinister Jennifer Chambers (Carol Williams).

The 35-year-old actress migrated to the United States in 1995. Growing up in Montego Bay, she attended Barracks Road Primary and Mount Alvernia High schools.

Chin later attended Davenport University in the US where she earned a degree in Health Care Business Administration. She holds a degree in nursing from Wayne State University.

Criminal Minds is her first US television credit. She has had small roles in films including The Necklace, Lunch Break and Choices.