Born in Metairie, Louisiana, she began her career as a beauty pageant contestant, winning Miss Teen USA in 2004. Transitioning to acting, she gained recognition on the soap opera "Days of Our Lives," earning two Daytime Emmy nominations. She further established her career with roles in TV series like "The Secret Circle" and "Teen Wolf," where she played Malia Tate. Known for her comedic and dramatic versatility, she also appeared in films like "Unfriended" and "Ouija."