Monika grew up in a small town in Sonoma County surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards. She started studying ballet and jazz at age seven and quickly fell in love with expressing herself through movement and choreography in dance classes, recitals, and school talent shows. She was accepted into the renowned BFA Dance program at the University of Arizona and had many amazing dance-related opportunities and experiences while there, including traveling to Italy and performing in the Phoenix Opera rendition of Carmen.

After graduating Cum Laude, she moved to Los Angeles and signed with a dance agent. She was featured in national commercials for Subaru and Toys R Us, music videos for Ellie Goulding, Natasha Beddingfield, and Julianne Hough. Dancing with the L.A. Opera and for Grammy-nominated choreographer, Ryan Heffington are highlights from this time, as well.

Monika soon also fell in love with acting and exploring storytelling and studied with Diana Castle at The Imagined Life. After being cast as a regular in Adam Rifkin’s Showtime series “Reality Show,” she went on to work alongside Burt Reynolds, Billy Baldwin, and Danny Trejo in various roles.

In recent years, Monika co-founded a production company, Gemini Jane Productions, and co-wrote, produced, and acted in the web series, “Daddy Issues.”

She is delighted to be back in her hometown, reconnecting with her creative roots, teaching contemporary dance classes and private lessons in Sonoma County, and bringing joy through dance during a time when the world truly needs it.