I was born in Manhattan, Kansas and grew up in Atlanta. My father was an engineering professor at Georgia Tech, and my mother taught piano.  Music filled our home. I started piano at age 6 with my mom. At age 10, I won the Metro Atlanta Piano Talent Festival, started violin in public school, and later enjoyed playing in Jr. All-State as concertmistress, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and a string quartet. When it was time to decide on college, I wrestled with whether I should go to university or conservatory. In the end, I chose to concentrate on music at Juilliard where my piano teachers were Adele Marcus and Abbey Simon.

I enjoyed collaborating with amazing Juilliard musicians, and my love of chamber music grew. During the summers, I studied with Ann Schein and Joseph Kalichstein in Aspen, and Gyorgy Sebok in Banff. I played with Dorothy Delay’s students and performed Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. I was also a prizewinner in the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition.
 
After moving to Massachusetts in 1997, I have been teaching privately and at Fay School in Southborough, working with children’s choirs and music ministry. Nurturing the musical lives of young people, building life skills and resiliency have been very rewarding. Some have won competitions, studied music or medicine in college, and become outstanding young artists. I am truly blessed to be a music teacher and love getting to know people!
 
My children’s wonderful piano teacher, Tara McKee Gray, introduced me to NEPTA. As parent and teacher, I have seen the meaningful opportunities NEPTA provides. Encouraged by NEPTA’s Nancy Oliva Award, our son Joshua is now a classical and jazz pianist performing with the Harvard Jazz Band. Our daughter Annalisa is a violist and writer studying at UPenn. 
 
We cannot imagine how impactful NEPTA’s influence may be as we share the gift of music. Now in my third year on the NEPTA Board, I am honored to serve as Vice President. I look forward to getting to know you all and welcome your ideas!