I balance my life on a medley of missions: encourager, helper, peacemaker. Born into a family of musicians, music quickly became my first love. There were many singers and instrumentalists in my immediate and extended family, so nearly every family gathering found us making music together.
Raised in the United Methodist Church with parents who sang in the choir and an older sister as the church pianist, my love of hymns and liturgical music began early, singing in the church choir by age 10. During Junior High, formal piano lessons and choral training began. High School was busy with marching band, musical theatre and chorus – selected twice for All-State Chorus. My first job as a church pianist began at age 16.
Throughout adulthood I’ve served as a musician at Baptist, United Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. Though not formally trained in voice, I have a lot of experience as a singer and have regularly enjoyed leading choir rehearsals as needed in each position I’ve held.
After graduating from James Madison University with a B.S. in Psychology, I returned to my hometown of Danville, VA for several years prior to moving to North Carolina in 1995. My musical job responsibilities have always been “part time” employment. The bulk of my full time work has been administrative/clerical in a healthcare setting. As a service oriented person, helping people navigate the healthcare maze proved rewarding.
After a number of years as mountain “part-timers”, my husband Mark and I decided to heed the beckoning of the mountains and moved here full time in 2019. I am now the organist/pianist at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church and volunteer weekly at Feeding Avery Families. Avid nature enthusiasts, we spend lots of time hiking and love to explore the outdoors wherever we travel. My personal interests also include cooking, gardening, and yoga.
I recorded the CD Peace & Joy in 2012 – a modern piano arrangements of traditional Christmas favorites. Read more!
For more info: Please email me