Ms. Gardner earned her degree in musical theater from Northwestern University and holds a professional certificate in drama from the British American Drama Academy. Following her formal training, she performed professionally for several years, including in a national tour of Evita. With over 25 years of experience teaching voice, Ms. Gardner has guided students who regularly participate in spring and winter recitals, as well as in competitions hosted by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Her youth theater productions have been recognized for their exceptional quality, earning both state and regional accolades. She received California’s Heroes in Education Award in 2006 and was profiled by the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2016.
Ms. Gardner currently serves as a soloist, cantor, and soprano section leader at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carlsbad. She also teaches musical theater summer camps sponsored by the Carlsbad Educational Foundation. In 2017, she earned a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA.
Ms. Gardner produces and directs musicals for Coyote Cavern Productions, a non-profit youth theatre company funded solely through private donations and ticket sales. The spring 2025 production was The Lion King.
Ms. Gardner has produced and directed musicals to raise funds for St. Patrick Catholic Church. The summer 2024 production was Godspell, the hit Broadway musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew.