Ms. Griffin is currently completing her third year as band director at Roosevelt Magnet School for The Performing and Visual Arts. Roosevelt Magnet is a k-8th grade building located in Peoria, Illinois. During Ms. Griffin's time at RMS she grew the program by 60%. The 2015-2016 5th grade beginning band classes enrolled 48 out of 53 students at Roosevelt. To accommodate the large growth of students, Ms. Griffin turned to social media to find instruments for her students to play. After two channel news interviews, and a front page article in the Peoria Journal Star, Roosevelt Magnet is proudly providing every student with their own instrument. Ms. Griffin has raised of 5,000 dollars in monetary and equipment donations in the fall of 2015. Roosevelt Magnet has also appeared in many parades and community performances during the 2015-2016 school year. Some performances include but not limited to The Santa Clause Parade, The St. Patrick's Day Parade, and a Rivermen Hockey Game. To view Roosevelt's news coverage please follow the link.
During the 2016-2017 school year, Ms. Griffin left Roosevelt Magnet to presue and k-8 music position at Colona Grade School in Colona, Illinois. During her time there her 6th through 8th grade band recieved many accolades that includes a 1st place finish at "Music in the Parks" compatition at Six flags Great America, and a division II rating at IGSMA organzational compatition. Although Ms. Griffin enjoyed her time at Colona, she decided to return to Roosevelt Magnet for the 2017-2018 school year and will continue her career at Roosevelt for many years to come.
Previously, Ms. Griffin completed two years at Peoria Academy College Preparatory School. She graduated from Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Ms. Griffin was a member of the Marching Leathernecks for three years at the University. She was a member of the Concert Band for four years and Pep Band for three, playing the Trumpet. Ms. Griffin was also a member of other ensembles which included University Band and Steel Band, both for one year. While in University Band Ms. Griffin played oboe as well as conducted occasionally. Steel Band is a nontraditional ensemble which featured instruments from the Caribbean.
In addition, Ms. Griffin was a member of the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps in 2005, playing mellophone. She performs annually with the Peoria Municipal Band, Peoria, IL playing the Trumpet. Professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Educators, Illinois Music Educators Association, and life member of Mu Phi Epsilon, an international music service fraternity.
Ms. Griffin will soon be pursuing her Technology Endorsement from Western Illinois University and will finish in the near future. In her free time she enjoys hiking, practicing instruments, playing with her Chinchilla, Casera, and spending time with her family.