She cites the main reason for her departure from Felicity (1998) in 2000 was
that she needed to grieve for her mother. Her mother had died two years
previously and she felt that being on such a prominent show hadn't
given her the time or space to do so.
My mom taught me to go after my dreams. I have this faith in myself
that I must have gotten from her. I believe I can do anything. If I
decide I want to be a doctor tomorrow, I'm going to be a doctor. Amy
Jo Johnson, discussing memories of her mother; Teen People, December
1999