Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska I always loved being around music. Throughout middle and high school I sang in choirs and Acapella groups. I picked up a guitar when I was 20 and began playing covers for friends and smaller groups of people. After moving to Seattle in 2001 I became an English teacher and put down the guitar for a few years to focus on my career. I picked up the guitar again when I learned how valuable a tool music was when trying to make learning accessible to my students. Music in general is such a great way to help build community in schools. I thought maybe I could use music to build community outside of school. I started writing songs last year and have released four singles in the last five months. The song “Don’t Forget to Breathe” was inspired by Ukrainian and Angolan students of mine who experienced trauma from the loss of loved ones and having to flee from armed conflict in those countries. I’ve amassed a growing following on Instagram and hope to play more shows to promote my first album that will be released in mid-October.