Kathi was a voice major at Millikin University (Decatur, Illinois) where she received her Bachelors of Music degree. She also holds a MA in curriculum and instruction from Concordia University (River Forest, Illinois). Her vocal teaching has been greatly influenced by her experience with the Voice Care Network under the direction of Dr. Axel Theimer at St. John’s University.

​

Kathi’s career highlights include conducting the Elgin Children’s Chorus’ Treble Choir from which she retired in 2002. Prior to that, she served as a middle school choir director and music teacher for 24 years before teaching at Elgin High School (EHS) in 1997, where she established a madrigal group, vocal jazz ensemble, and musical theater productions in addition to directing five choirs daily. In January 2001, the EHS Chamber choir performed at the IMEA All State Music Convention in Peoria and the choirs consistently received Division I ratings at the IHSA Organizational Contests. Under Mrs. Bernhard’s direction, the EHS choirs traveled to Wisconsin, Indiana, New York, Austria, Germany, and Italy. She retired from EHS in 2004, and began her second career in voice instruction. In addition to her accomplished middle and high school teaching career, Kathi was on staff at ECC as an instructor for Music for the Elementary Teacher for seven years. She has been listed in Who’s Who Among American Teachers numerous times, and has guest conducted several middle school and high school choral festivals in addition to the Elgin Children’s Concert and Chamber choirs.

​

Coming from an educator’s background, Kathi uses a combination of imagery, Alexander’s Technique, and visual resources to help her students acquire a solid understanding of vocal skills in order to tap into the beauty and musicality of their voice. Accomplishments of many of her voice students include being selected to participate in IMEA District 9 Festival & all State Choruses, university music programs, musicals with leading roles as well as being soloists in various recital and choral formats.