Cassandra is the owner of A Place to Shine Music, Inc. where for 18 years she has been teaching, performing, writing and producing music. After receiving a degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois in 1991, Cassandra continued her professional training in opera and acting for 7 years in Chicago In her late twenties, she changed her focus and became a rock/pop/jazz singer and began focusing more on writing and performing her own original music. It is her passion and soul’s work to share music and inspire growth. As a teacher she fulfills this by coaching voice, acting and functioning as an artist’s mentor and workshop facilitator. As a performer, she does it through writing, singing and recording her own music and is also known to collaborate regularly with other talented area musicians.  In addition, she is the co-creator of the organization SOTA- Spirit of the Arts, which provides artists an opportunity to perform in a supportive environment, through open mics, festivals and feature concert events. Cassandra has a studio at the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park at the Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, IL.  She lives in Marengo, IL with her husband Phil.