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Bio
Betsy was raised in the Philippines, where her parents taught at Silliman University. When she was thirteen, they returned to the States went to live on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation, where her father was pastor of the Parker United Presbyterian Church. Betsy comes from a talented, musical family. She graduated valedictorian from Parker High School in Arizona. Her commencement address included singing a solo related to her speech.
Betsy was accepted to Arizona State University on an academic and vocal scholarship. She received her Bachelor of Music there and continued on for her Master’s degree, also in music. Pursuing an operatic career, Betsy received a Rockefeller Grant in Music for study in New York City. She was hired as a member of Western Opera Theater, touring company for the San Francisco Opera. She continued to perform in regional opera companies and in concert.
When Betsy’s son was born, her focus began to change. She became interested in education and child development, and when her son turned five and she became a single parent, she began to pursue other career options. Betsy moved to Yorkville in 1993 and began to substitute for the Anderson Valley School District. The experience taught her that teaching was an exhilarating, sometimes difficult, but extremely satisfying vocation; and she enrolled in the Dominican University teacher credential program. The following year she began teaching full-time in both junior high and high school English and AVID classes.
Betsy continues to love music. She began the Anderson Valley Community Chorus and was conductor for 13 years. Presently, she plays violin in the Symphony of the Redwoods and in smaller ensembles. You will probably notice that she also is performing in chamber operas in Mendocino.
And her son? Justin Allen graduated from Anderson Valley High School in ’99. He is currently enrolled in a nursing program toward his RN.