Carol grew up in the small town of Mobridge, SD, where she started taking piano lessons at the age of 8. She continued to play the piano through high school and particularly loved accompanying soloists and ensembles during those years. After high school, Carol attended Yankton College in Yankton, SC, and received a Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in music education. 

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After teaching elementary music in Lakewood, CO for two years, she became interested in the field of computer science, which was, at the time, in its infancy. With luck, she landed a position that provided on-the-job training and began a new career, which she continued until retirement in 2003.

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During this time, to continue to share her love of music, she directed a church handbell ensemble for 18 years while also providing piano accompaniment for, and singing in, many local groups. After living in Colorado Springs for more than 40 years, Carol moved to Denver in 2014 to be near her two children and two grandchildren.