My career in education began in both a traditional way (teaching private music lessons in piano and voice) and a non-traditional way, with my work at the Michigan State University Museum and numerous free-lance jobs doing living history programs in schools. I have Bachelor's degrees in both Music and Communication from Michigan State.

My classroom work began in earnest when I began teaching science enrichment classes at Edison Environmental Science Academy (through the Kalamazoo Nature Center) and was a long-term substitute in music for Kalamazoo Public Schools.

I received my elementary certification and my Master's Degree in Education from Grand Valley State University in 2007. I also hold endorsements in early childhood education and K-12 music.

Since 2006, I have been a tutor with the Specialized Language Development (SLD) Center in Kalamazoo. I am trained in the Orton-Gillingham reading methodology and am certified with the International Multi-Sensory Language Education Council.

The focus of my personal life follows much the same path. I am an avid reader and have been the Director of Music for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Plainwell since 1987. I enjoy nothing more than bringing to life literature and music for young (and not so young) learners.

I fell in love with Kazoo School when I tutored some of my SLD Center students there. It was truly the high point of my professional life when I was given the opportunity to join the faculty. This is a place where both my students and I can grow and flourish!

I live in Kalamazoo with my husband Robert in a historic home that we are forever refurbishing. Rob is also a musician and has built his own clavichord and is starting the restoration of a harpsichord. He is a senior programmer-analyst for Stryker Instruments in his "day job." We have a tabby cat with bright yellow eyes named Eleanor, and although we have no children of our own, we are the favorite aunt and uncle of Sam, Ian, Hope and Christopher, whom we spoil shamelessly!