About Me

I grew up in a musical family and knew early on that I wanted to play the flute. The summer I got my first flute—around age 9—I spent nearly every day learning how to play it on my own. I dreamed of being like Sir James Galway, filling rooms with music and magic.

Not long after, a kind man at my church—an executive at United Musical Instruments, where Armstrong flutes were made—took notice. He gave me my very first open-hole step-up flute and told me, “It’s important to support young musicians. Maybe one day you’ll make a difference in this industry.” That moment changed everything.

In high school, I fully embraced music. I played in concert band, orchestra, and proudly served as the drum major of our marching band. One of my proudest moments came when our orchestra won a top state competition, which earned us a performance invitation at Carnegie Hall. As a junior, I played on that iconic stage as part of a flute and violin trio with the full orchestra behind us—a memory I’ll never forget. Inspired, I studied flute performance at DePaul University on scholarship, where I gained a deep foundation in technique, interpretation, and artistry.

After returning home to Elkhart, Indiana to begin raising a family, my former high school band director contacted me about a job opportunity at United Musical Instruments. They were looking for a flute tester—a role I didn’t even know existed. I was hired and began training in quality control, learning to test flutes and piccolos with the detailed insight only a flutist could offer. I learned how to use tools to make subtle mechanical refinements, ensuring each instrument left the factory ready for artistry. That hands-on precision became the foundation of what I do today.

From there, my journey led to Gemeinhardt in the late 1990s, where I expanded my expertise in assembly, repair, and the fine adjustments that influence response and resonance, eventually managing teams and contributing to marketing, sales, and R&D.

In the early 2000s, I was invited to join the William S. Haynes Company to help develop the first Amadeus flute—a project I’m incredibly proud of, working alongside a talented group of makers and musicians. Throughout my career, I stayed active in the National Flute Association, met flutists from around the world, and found joy in balancing family life with professional growth. During quieter seasons, I stayed home to raise my four daughters while restoring vintage flutes—a passion that planted the early seeds of The Flute Refinery.

In 2007, I returned to Gemeinhardt with a focus on research and development. I helped refine flute and piccolo scale designs and contributed to launching a new generation of instruments. One of my most exciting projects was developing the Storm piccolo—named by me and designed with input from the U.S. Army band. Our first major sale? Forty piccolos to the University of Michigan. By 2010, I had moved into executive leadership as EVP/COO, helping shape product strategy, operations, and future innovations while continuing to advocate for the needs of musicians.

One of the greatest honors of my life was collaborating with Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway — artists I had admired since childhood. Together, we worked to create a high- quality flute line designed especially for students and advancing players. Though developed with accessibility in mind, the exceptional artisanship — particularly in the headjoint — attracted the attention of professionals as well. What began as a dream became a true partnership, rooted in shared passion and purpose. Through our conversations and my deepening understanding of their artistic vision, I proposed the name Galway Crusader — a brand that came to symbolize the union of inspiration, quality, and opportunity within the Galway–Gemeinhardt collaboration.

Now, in this next phase of life, I’m thrilled to return to where my passion began—working directly with musicians, hands-on, heart-first. Through The Flute Refinery, I offer virtual refinement sessions, repair services, custom tool kits, accessories, and educational insight for flutists, teachers, parents, and professionals alike.

Beyond the Bench
I’m the proud mother of four incredible daughters and GiGi (not grandma!) to nine amazing grandchildren—my “G babies.” I share my life with three loyal Collies and three curious cats. Whether I’m tending to a student’s flute or resolving a professional’s mechanical frustrations, my purpose is constant: to bring instruments back to life so the music can soar — with artistry, precision, and heart.