[2] After enrolling in Boston University, Salem began exploring her interest in acting by performing in several college productions including Othello and Biloxi Blues, and earned a nomination for The Irene Ryan Award for her portrayal of Helena in R.U.R.
[2] After earning her bachelor's degree, Salem was accepted to the Circle in the Square Theater Conservatory program in New York City, where she studied for two years.
[2] Upon completing the Conservatory program, Salem signed on with an agent and landed the role of the sassy and passionate Sofia Carlino on the NBC daytime drama Another World.
[2] After three years as Sofia, Salem decided to pursue a career in primetime television and film, and before long, she made guest star appearances on NBC's Third Watch and CBS' Now and Again.
[2] Her other acting credits include a seven-episode run as supporting cast in the medical drama series ER, an appearance in Fox Family Channel's The Fearing Mind, and a minor role in the 2001 Disney film New Port South.