Both of her parents were voice teachers.She was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Rochester, New York.Studied at the Juilliard School and holds degrees from the State University of New York at Potsdam and the Eastman School of Music. Early recognition includes the 1988 Metropolitan Opera National Auditions, the Richard Tucker Award, the George London Prize, the Grand Prix at the International Singing Competition in Belgium, and a Fulbright Scholarship to Germany.Sang in a jazz trio while studying at the State University of New York at Potsdam and later toured as a singer with Illinois Jacquet's big band.Wrote a book entitled "The Inner Voice", released November 4, 2004.Two daughters, Amelia, born 1992 and Sage, born 1995Honorary Member of Sigma Alpha Iota, professional music fraternity for women