I am a professional musician, seasoned educator, and avid curator who has dedicated my life to sharing my passion for music and style with the world. From 2011-2023, I was an Orchestra Director at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, where I had the opportunity to influence countless students with my innovative approach to music education. I was able to collaborate with an incredible team of music educators, each champions in their care for every learner.

This past June my family and I decided to move west and embark on a new adventure, packing our bags and exchanging our lives in Chicago for one amongst the redwoods. Now a resident of Sonoma County, I am excited to explore new creative opportunities, both locally and remotely.

My journey in music began in my hometown of Mesa, Arizona at the age of eight in the public school orchestra program. The cello became my source of empowerment, freeing me from my shyness and allowing me to express myself with confidence and strength, as if I could conquer the world. With the support of my parents and my first cello teacher, Laurie Stearns Selby, they made unconditional sacrifices to make the classical music world attainable for me. At Arizona State University, I received my Bachelor's Degree in Cello Performance in 2005. I honed my skills with incredible cello teachers like Thomas Landschoot and principal cellist of the Phoenix Symphony, Richard Bock. I left the desert sun and my hometown for the city of Chicago to earn a Masters Degree in Cello Performance. I attended DePaul University where I studied with Steve Balderston, former Assistant Principal Cellist of the Chicago Symphony.

My love for music extends beyond classical repertoire, as I have performed with hip-hop artists to the Bolshoi Ballet. In 2013, I was selected to attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education Project Zero Summer Institute, "Arts & Passion Driven Learning," in collaboration with Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Project. I have also been awarded Summer Fellowships from the Philadelphia Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra's Summer Music Institute in Washington D.C. on full scholarships for four consecutive years.

As a resident of Chicago for over 17 years, I have performed in some of the city's most iconic venues, including Schubas, The Empty Bottle, Lincoln Hall, and The Hideout. In 2008, I took the stage at the Grammy Awards with the Foo Fighters, conducted by John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. I am also the leader of my band, The Loneliest Monk, and released music on Chicago's Kilo Records. You can also find me playing upright bass in the country group, The Family Gold, with my Husband.

Music has been the foundation for personal growth and connection. My commitment to expressive style establishes myself as a one-of-a-kind musician and curator. May the spirit of inspiration endure!