When I was a Kid…

I wanted to be an astronaut. But, I was a creator and an entertainer from the moment I entered this world. So, a career in anything where math and science were at the core of the needed skillset was most definitely not in my future. That was very clear to everyone… except me! Actually, I think I knew that is who I was but only dreamed about being a performer someday and didn’t entertain it as a viable career option. 

Though my parents were not performers themselves, they come from strong musical heritages and are lovers and appreciators of the arts. My dad’s side of the family are the grassroots, earthy “rock and roll” junkies--my grandfather actually ran away with the circus and played the “Honky Tonk”. While my mom’s father was a clarinet prodigy and also a gifted jazz musician who played in the Marine Band. We went to the theatre whenever possible and watched countless classic movie musicals together!

Although I LOVED music & theatre I was not a “theatre kid”. I did perform whenever I had the chance, but that was mostly through piano competitions and at summer camps, church productions, worship team and our own backyard. I was always playing “dress up” and dragged my brother into all sorts of mischief. I loved stories! Reading them, listening to them, writing them and even getting friends to act them out, I was VERY CLEARLY a “Creative”…a performer AND a director. I spent endless hours using my imagination. All the world truly was a stage. It just took me a while to realize that, “I was born to entertain”!

Fast forward to today and I am always amazed at the path that has led me here. I truly believe that God has guided every step. I graduated with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, having earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education and Theatre before that. As a hybrid performer and teacher my career has been and continues to be incredibly diverse and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have performed all across the country and even internationally in multiple mediums…on stage, on camera, as a print model, shoe model, Voice Artist and more…

I have trained under incredible teachers (Dr. Maryann Kyle, Dr. Teri Bickham and Dr. Taylor Ferranti among them) and thanks to their wisdom and knowledge have had the opportunity to coach and teach a myriad of wonderful and talented students in my own voice studio (many of whom are or have become incredible professional performers…they can be found on cruise lines, in regional theaters, on national tours and even on Broadway.). 

What is even more amazing is I have been able to enjoy so many of these adventures alongside of my incredible husband and stellar colleague, Conrad Bear. (But really, his smooth baritone voice makes everyone swoon.) He has been my best friend, business partner and fellow mischief maker for over 10 years of marriage and many years of friendship before that.

As a working artist I may wear many hats but I am not a “jack of all trades, master of none”. I work hard to be competitive and wear each hat WELL. I strive to be the best that I can be so that I can also help others discover the best in themselves.

What hats do I wear? I would love to show you!

Though each of my hats may vie for “fave” status, I am first and foremost a daughter of The King, wife and devoted cat mom.

When off stage/off camera you can find me exploring the great outdoors with my husband Conrad, binge watching Masterpiece Theatre, reading in our library, flower gardening, drinking lots of boba tea and loving on our 4 adorable fur babies.