Monica Bearden:  

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I began playing the piano at the age of 7 years and continued studying music, as well as clarinet, for many years (to date). I attended Oxford Elementary School, Monticello Middle School, and Cleveland Heights High School. During my middle and high school years, I focused heavily on music, as this was (and still is) my passion. After high school, I went on to study music on scholarship at Cleveland State University. In addition, I attended Fenn College of Engineering at CSU. The engineering program was a bit stressful (being a mother of 2), but fun and definitely worth it. I was not highly social in college, as I was there to learn and did not want to compromise that. During my engineering program, I was fortunate to co-op with General Motors Corporation. After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I continued working at GM in both Cleveland and Lordstown, Ohio for several years and then went on to work for Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradley Division). Though I enjoyed working for Rockwell, I strongly de...Expand for more