Originally from western Maryland, Katie studied with Maryland Symphony Orchestra bassoonist Scott Cassada throughout high school and into college, where she attended Shepherd University. 

While at Shepherd, Katie played in the wind ensemble, the preparatory orchestra, chamber ensembles, and she sang in the chamber choir, played bari sax in the jazz ensemble, and marched drum line in the Ram Band.  In 2004, Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance. 

 Soon after a move to Texas, Katie taught 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts and Reading to students receiving special education and English as a Second Language services. When her teaching schedule would allow, Katie played bassoon in community ensembles including Starlight Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra of the Incarnate Word.  In 2020, Katie left the public education classroom to focus on her musical career full-time. 

Since her return to the bassoon, Katie has studied bassoon and reed making with Sabrina Stovall (bassoonist of Adelante Winds) and Sharon Kuster (former principal of the San Antonio Symphony). As an active orchestral player, Katie plays principal bassoon with the Symphony of the Hills Orchestra and often performs with the Orchestra of the Incarnate Word, and Alamo City Symphony Viva. Katie is the owner of Outer Loop Bassoon, a music studio based in Floresville, TX whose mission is to provide affordable private music instruction and handmade bassoon reeds to young musicians located outside of San Antonio's Loop 1604. 

In addition to teaching, reed-making, playing in orchestras, Katie is a marching instructor for the Mighty Pirate Band in Poth, TX, and she is co-founder of the River City Winds ensemble. Extending her educational background to her music pedagogy, Katie believes that when given structure, modeling, and by setting attainable goals, all individuals can learn, grow, and become independent thinkers.