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Kristi grew up in Lorain, Ohio—just outside of Cleveland. She started playing flute in the school band in 5th grade, but by 7th grade she was ready to quit. Her mother insisted she continue, and in 8th grade Kristi switched to the oboe. She began on an old instrument with plastic reeds, but in high school her band director—an oboist—recognized her potential and encouraged her to reach out to Oberlin Conservatory. At 16, Kristi got a job to pay for her own lessons and connected with Jessie Cooper, who introduced her to Alex Klein, helped her find a quality instrument, and taught her reed-making. That guidance transformed her path. By her senior year she won the principal oboe chair in the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra.

Initially planning to major in journalism, Kristi discovered her passion for music and earned a scholarship to Ohio Northern University, where she studied with Patricia Nott. Nott also introduced her to John Mack, principal oboist of the Cleveland Orchestra, whose teaching continues to shape her artistry. Even after his passing in 2006, Kristi has returned yearly to the John Mack Oboe Camp, now led by his former students.

Kristi earned her Bachelor of Music in Performance from Ohio Northern University (1995) and her Master of Music in Performance from Georgia Southern University (2001), where she studied with Nathan Hughes and Patricia Barry. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Georgia.

She has taught in Savannah, Georgia since 1995, beginning at St. Peter the Apostle School and later building a thriving private oboe studio. Her students have earned scholarships, All-State honors, and invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House. Over the years, Kristi has served on faculty at Armstrong State University, Savannah Technical College, Central Texas College, and Point University. She is now proud to join the faculty of Georgia College & State University, where she teaches applied oboe, reed-making, and related coursework.

Kristi’s teaching philosophy and entrepreneurial spirit inspired the creation of Ugly Duckling Oboes in 2014. Through the business, she teaches students locally and internationally (including Skype lessons and audition coaching), makes reeds, and rents and sells instruments. Ugly Duckling Oboes is an authorized dealer for Fox, Fossati, and Buffet.

In addition to her teaching and business, Kristi has been honored to perform as an Artist at the Decoda Music Festival at Warren Wilson College for the past two summers, collaborating with leading chamber musicians in community-engaged performances. She also serves on staff with the Atlantic Youth Orchestra in Savannah, working with the next generation of young musicians.

She is deeply involved in the community, having served as an Ambassador for the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, a 2013 graduate of Leadership Savannah, and a board member of Savannah Friends of Music. Kristi is also active in the Georgia Music Educators Association and the International Double Reed Society.