Amy holds a degree in English from the University of Illinois  at Urbana-Champaign and an M.A. in Performance Studies from the University of North Carolina.

While studying Spanish in Seville, Spain she worked to bring literacy to unschooled gypsy children, an experience that inspired her to become a lifelong teacher.  

She founded Musikgarten of Oak Park in 1996 and is excited to see her vision expand to more fully include her fellow teachers, parents, children, and the broader community.  To this end, she and her daughter Ana have opened the HeartGarden studio. Building on Musikgarten's beautiful curriculum they are delighted to partner with parents and caring adults to nurture the heart values of our children.  

Her love for family drives her to risk the adventure of stepping boldly into the vanguard of a movement to make parenthood creative, intelligent, and joyful.