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.
Attended The New School For Social Research in New York City. Admitted to being a "hard-core anorexic" during 1993 to 1995 period. During 1994 her weight dropped to 90 pounds. [November 1996] Dated Donal Lardner Ward. Has a story in a Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul book about how she fought anorexia. Was offered the role of Rayven in the script "Momentum", but production was cancelled. First choice of the role was offered to Gina Gershon. Has a story published in book "Feeding The Fame", 2006, detailing her anorexia and recovery.