I grew up in New Rochelle, NY where I began playing the violin in fourth grade at William B. Ward Elementary School. I can still remember my first orchestra teacher, Mrs. Wolf, say "put your bows on!" She of course meant, put your bow on the string and get ready! With a Brazilian mother and an American father, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by a blend of cultures, and over the years I’ve had the opportunity to call many places home, including Pittsburgh, Montreal, Houston, Boca Raton, Stony Brook on Long Island, and Brooklyn. I returned to Westchester one year ago, and now live in White Plains with my husband, Zach. Outside of music, I’m happiest when I’m outdoors—hiking, trail running, or spending time at the beach—and I love traveling and discovering new places; I’ve visited 19 countries so far. At home, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, reading books, and building Legos with Zach. On Mondays, I return to our old neighborhood in Brooklyn to practice Aikido, a Japanese martial art that has taught me a great deal about being in the present moment, my own strengths and fears, and how to interact with other people, on and off the mat. All of these experiences, places, and interests have shaped who I am and continue to inspire the way I approach both music and life.