Carrie was raised in Buffalo, NY, where she graduated from City Honors High School (1979) with a New York State Regents Diploma as well as an Academic Music Diploma. She enjoyed performing in several musicals in school and in the community (Art Park in Lewiston NY) and singing in several choirs. In 2011, she received an Associate of Arts in Music degree from Hillsborough Community College. She finished her undergraduate degree and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music at The University of Tampa in 2013, graduating Magna Cum Laude. While attending the University of Tampa she was in the Honors Program and received the Music Technology and Composition Award. Returning to Hillsborough Community College, Carrie attended the Educator Preparation Institute and in July of 2013 she received her Florida Educators Certification in Music K-12. She has taught Elementary Music (Grades 1 thru 5) in the Hillsborough County Public Schools and is currently teaching private piano lessons.