She was born and raised in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and later lived in Chicago, Illinois where she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at U.S. Cellular Field during the 2005 playoff run of the Chicago White Sox and on April 4, 2006, at their World Series ring ceremony.
"Leading With My Heart" was featured on the soundtrack for the film Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!.
Her song "Sunflower" was featured in the film Because of Winn-Dixie and was released on her album Who I Am.
"Bliss" was featured in clothing ads for J. Jill, and in Hershey's commercials, and is included on her self-titled album.
The university honored her with its Lucia Russell Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award.