Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Karla completed her degree in Classical Piano Performance in 2001 from Bishop's University in Lennoxville Quebec. While in Quebec, Karla began singing with Canadian singer/songwriter David Francey and toured and recorded on two of his Juno award winning CDs. After completing her degree, Karla moved to Vancouver and began working as a pianist and a singer. She was a founding member of Cleia, an acoustic roots band, and joined Celtic-Funk band Mad Pudding, as accordionist and singer. Karla was a soloist in the Universal Gospel Choir for three years and began exploring more world music with a trip to Matanzas Cuba to study Afro-Cuban traditional singing and dance.

Two years ago, Karla formed The Shirleys an 8 women acapella singing group that sings soulful music from around the world. They have been busy performing throughout BC and have collaborated with Veda Hille, Pepe Danza and Leora Cashe. Currently, Karla teaches piano and accompanies violinists at Amati String Studio, sings with the Shirleys, studies Spanish, Cuban percussion with Pepe Danza, and plays banjo. She is very excited to be teaching at Tooba, exploring different vocal traditions from around the world and encouraging people to sing in community.