Ali has spent most of her life learning about and making music. Born into a musical family, she is the 8th generation to pursue an education in music and teach. She began studying piano at 5 years old, and began studying flute at 10 years old. She was a regular participant in school, church, and community music throughout her childhood. Her training as a vocalist also began in childhood through participating in church choir, as well as through her father, who was also a music teacher.

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After finishing high school, Ali went on to pursue and obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in music, with an emphasis on vocal and choral music, and a minor in behavioral science from Dakota Wesleyan University. After college, she taught private lessons in flute, piano, and voice for a time, before taking some time off to focus on raising her 5 children. Through the years, she has directed several children's choirs, played flute in many ensembles, and has spent time volunteering musically in the community. Currently, she participates in church choir, Dakota Choral Union, sings and plays flute for Joyful Noise, and directs two children's choirs for the Black Hills Homeschool Coop. She also performs regularly as a vocal soloist through the Black Hills region, and occasionally as an accompanist. Ali is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) the Black Hills Chapter, in an effort to network with music educators and to provide more regional opportunities for her students.

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Ali enjoys teaching students of all ages. She is particularly interested in making sure all students have a solid foundation in music theory, whether they are voice, piano, or flute students, along with proper singing and playing techniques. She enjoys tailoring music lessons to each individual students' needs and talents. Most of all, she loves teaching music, and cannot imagine life any other way!