Cardillo went to Northwestern University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Performance Studies. While enrolled there, she studied writing and acting, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1999. She also studied at The Public Theater's Shakespeare Lab.

Following College, she moved to New York City and became enthusiastically involved in theater. After some successful stage work, she landed work on television, appearing in the the short-lived sitcom Madigan Men. Since then, she moved to the West Coast and took on a series of roles on television and in small films before moving on to larger Hollywood projects. She first appeared as Esme in 2005 and has made frequent, popular re-appearances.

The Hottie and the Nottie - Yoga Instructor(2008)
The Box - Tatiana (2007) (completed)
Passions - Esme (2005-2007)
How I Met Your Mother - Treasure (2007)
In the Mix - Rachelle(2005)
Without a Trace" - Karen Garber ( 2005)
Crossing Jordan - Peta Longo (2005)
The Murder of Donovan Slain - Donovan Slain/Beth Mack/Mary Duffy (2004) (also producer/writer)