After a year of pestering her mother, Katie began her musical studies at the young age of seven with violin lessons in the Suzuki method. She played in youth symphonies and ensembles and eventually picked up the piano and took some voice lessons along the way. The harp was the latest addition and cemented her relationship with folk music. She also has dreams of one day being a great bòdhran player.
Katie holds a degree in Women Studies from the University of Washington. During her studies, she was able to spend some time with the pedal harps and work with the harp professor, Pamela Vokolek. She has also studied the traditional music, languages, and cultures of Scotland and Ireland through travel, classes, workshops, and Fèis and festival attendance. Her time spent immersed in the folk traditions of Ireland and Scotland render a deep knowledge and love of these places in her music.