Leslie was born in Fort Worth Texas. Her Dad Johnny Santa Cruz was a funeral and lead singer in a Rolling Stones cover band. Her Mom Carol was a stay at home mom of five children. Leslie was the oldest of four younger brothers. In school her passions were theater and creative writing. After high school, Leslie moved to Austin to pursue acting in the budding Austin film scene. 

Leslie owns Satisfaction Skin and Spa in Austin Texas. Leslie has two daughters Brela and Aria, also actresses. Brela is a fine arts theater major. The youngest Aria is a percussionist and loves fashion.  Leslie co-teaches and trains in film acting with Juliard trained, and experienced movie actress Mona Lee Fultz.

Leslie is currently filming the feature film Due West, written and directed by Evan Miller. Where she has scenes with Adrianne Palicki (Friday Night Lights) and Golden Globe winner Henry Thomas (E.T. The Extra Terrestrial)