Bethany Neese is a native of Sonoma County. She earned her associate's degree in music from Santa Rosa Junior College, finishing her bachelor's degree at Sonoma State University. She then moved to San Francisco to complete her journey at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. There she performed in the Bay Area Opera Theatre Institute for two summers. 

Bethany moved back to Sonoma County to raise her two children. She owned and operated a music school for 15 years before being hired full-time at Hanna Center, where she became the Artistic Director for Archbishop Hanna High School. Here, she learned the power and healing of music and decided to pursue her Doctorate in Education from Grand Canyon University. Through this four-year journey, she completed a dissertation on how musical engagement influences well-being in older adults.  

Bethany is a member of the Sonoma Bach Choir under the direction of Bob Worth and recently Amanda McFadden. She is a full-time faculty member at Cardinal Newman High School in Santa Rosa, teaching AP Research and Theology. Additionally, she serves as the Accreditation Director, oversees the community outreach program, and is the music liturgist for school masses. 

Bethany is also the academic assistant for theater, music, and art classes at Louisiana State University.

In addition to teaching, Bethany enjoys the outdoors. Walking and hiking at Annadel and Spring Lake are some of her favorite places and outdoor activities. She practices hot yoga and has two rescue small dogs that keep her company now that her children are in college.