Born in Germany to a German mother and Spanish father, Elena started performing during her childhood in productions such as "Return to Neverland" and "The Nutcracker." However, it wasn't until her time at Cornell University that Elena seriously considered a career in the entertainment industry and began studying drama. After graduating, Elena moved to New York City and continued her studies at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute.A brief stint in Florida brought Elena her first starring role in a professional theater production and several lead roles in short films. After working on 10 feature films she went back to school to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Shortly after, Elena was cast as "Cecelia" in the hit blockbuster The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and has since gone on to play roles on The Walking Dead, Sleepy Hollow, and several other television shows and feature films.