Elisa grew up on Long Island where she was an accomplished gymnast, dancer and equestrian. She began studying acting at the age of 12. She attended college at The New School for Social Research in New York City, where she studied writing and literature, acting and dramatic literature. In New York, she also studied at The Michael Chekhov Studio, and with Anthony Abeson. In Los Angeles, she has studied with Larry Moss, and she currently studies with Jeffrey Tambor and Kim Gillingham. Her breakthrough role was in the film Clueless (1995), where she originated the role of Amber "Princess" Mariens. Elisa continues to ride horses and is also a painter.