Parker is a native Californian. She began ballet study at age 6, trained with youth programs around the country and, at age 15, joined the San Francisco Ballet. After three years of touring, she switched to contemporary dance and began studying acting while working as a bartender. Shortly thereafter, she landed her first speaking part on an episode of Seinfeld. Parker likes to ride horses, spend time with family and friends and drive hot wheels. She even attended the Motion Picture Stunt Driving Course in San Bernardino, California.



She left home at age 15 to join the San Francisco Ballet School. Her hobbies include horseback riding, stunt driving, and target shooting. She played Maite Schwartz's character's mother in an episode of "The Mentalist" (2008), despite being only nine years older than her.