Director, Teacher

With lots of early musical influences in her family, Michelle has loved music for as long as she can remember.  She studied piano for 12 years and was also classically trained in ballet for 14 years.  She has been part of the worship team and choirs at her church for many years.  She earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education and completed her 20th year in the public school system teaching preschool.  It was difficult to say goodbye to her preschoolers, but she was ready for a new chapter and new adventure.  She joined the Music Together community in 2018 and is so excited to be part of it, and can't wait to welcome families to Little Music Makers!  She is so grateful to her husband Chris for not freaking out about this new chapter and adventure, and for all his love and support!

Music has always been an integral part of Ruthie’s life. She studied classical piano, French horn, and voice from elementary school through college. Ruthie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education from Missouri State University and her Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

She began her teaching career as a choral director at Oakville High School and later continued her work at Ladue High School. In addition to her classroom experience, Ruthie taught Harmony Road Piano classes to early elementary students and Music Together classes to young families from 2017 to 2021.

This year, Ruthie is making a transition to stay at home with her family, and she is thrilled to return to Music Together—a program and mission she deeply believes in. Music Together is founded on the belief that all people are inherently musical and works to nurture that natural musicality from birth. Ruthie is passionate about helping parents become their child’s first music teacher, using Music Together as a meaningful and engaging tool.