Chris’ introduction to English handbells began at Chester W. Nimitz Middle School in Huntington Park, California. Beginning in 1995, she was the piano accompanist there for Ron Theile’s choir classes. Since Chris is well grounded in musical theory, she had been able to assist Ron in his music classes by helping the students understand the basics of musicianship and ringing. The more Chris helped out, the more she learned about handbell ringing.

While Ron directed and taught his classes, Chris became Operations Manager for the Nimitz Performers. She handled all the performance details from bookings, to transportation, fund raising, and community contacts. Chris also kept track of his classroom attendance and assisted in teaching theory and techniques to the ringers and dancers.

When Ron moved on to Mark Twain Middle School in 2000, Chris followed closed behind. Although Chris is no longer the administrator of the computer lab at the school, she remains the Operations Manager for the Mark Twain Performers. The Mark Twain Performers have traveled to many different places around California and Nevada, and Chris feels fortunate to be able to be a part of their musical journeys.

Chris, as an assistant in Ron's classroom at Nimitz Middle School, taught piano and assisted in teaching the handbell ringers. In addition, the City of Bell, where she taught keyboards and assisted in teaching the City of Bell Ringers with Ron, employed her. She continues as Operations Manager for the Mark Twain Performers. Chris has recently completed her Bachelor of Arts degree and hopes to continue teaching at Mark Twain Middle School.

Chris has three children: Kevin, age 29, Alex, age 21, and Cassie, age 18. Kevin is living in Northern California but planning a move to Colorado Springs, CO to live in the great outdoors and do a little farming. Alex is currently working in the construction industry while his sister, Cassie, goes to Cerritos Community College and works part time at a fitness club. Cassie is planning to transfer to California State University Long Beach where she will complete a degree in social work and counseling. Both she and Alex are former members of the Nimitz Performers and City of Bell Ringers. Chris is working on obtaining her teaching credential so she can teach at Mark Twain Middle School. She, along with her children, are active members in their church and community.