I grew up in Crystal, Minnesota in my family's A&W and tax office. I went to St. Cloud State University for accounting but ended up with my music education degree. I joined SPPS in 1996. I graduated with a masters in music education in 2000 from St. Thomas University. I am trained in Dalcroze, Orff and Kodály music pedagogies. All this education helps me break down music in small digestable steps for students to be successful.

I live in St. Paul with my 2 dogs, Ellie and Auggie. My hobbies are jewelry making, collecting rocks, sci-fi and music. I love teaching beginning instruments to see how far students can come in just one year. The Arts teachers enjoy having students for 3 years in middle school where we can get to know each other and I see the over arching 3 years of progress.

Instruments take practice over time to master. It is hard to do and very rewarding. Students often ask "What instrument is the easiest?" My response is always "there isn't one." Each instrument provides its own challenge. Pick your favorite instrument. If you don't know what to choose, Ms. M will help you with that. Let's work hard and have fun learning this year!