Ariel was born in the Milwaukee, WI area, growing up the youngest of 4 children. She remembers life-altering changes that occurred in the family when her dad trusted Christ and began attending Falls Baptist Church. In the months following, the rest of her family became believers, and through Sunday School classes, Ariel began to learn about God and the Bible herself. One morning her dad shared the gospel with her, and she realized her need of Christ and accepted Him into her life as a 4 year old.

As a little girl, Ariel was fascinated by the violins in the church orchestra and begged her parents to let her learn how to play. She began taking lessons at the age of 4, studying primarily with Elizabeth Zempel. She has also received instruction from Jamie Hofman, Suzanne Ignazsak, and Dr. Brenda Brenner. Ariel participated in the Jacobs School of Music’s (Indiana University) string academy as a teenager and in the teachers’ retreat as a college graduate. When Ariel was a member of the Chamber Strings, her ensemble auditioned for the Midwest Clinic, and won the opportunity of presenting an entire concert at the 64th annual convention. She is currently a member of the Kettle Moraine Symphony under the direction of Dr. Richard Hynson, and serves as co-concertmaster for various concerts throughout the season.

When not teaching, she enjoys exploring international cuisine and reading anything from biographies to cognitive psychology. She desires for students to embrace every learning opportunity as a gift from God believing that only those who have freely received are able to freely give.