Karis Mills has been playing violin since she was 7, viola since her 20s, and cello since 2016. She received her BS in neuropsychology at Wheaton College, two classes shy of a double major in music. She has been teaching privately since 2005 and has played viola with the Skagit Symphony, Saratoga Chamber Orchestra, and several professional quqartets.

She also completed an apprenticeship in violin making, but put that work on hold while raising and homeschooling her two boys. She has been working with the WIYS under the leadership of Sean Brown since its beginning in 2024. She really enjoys getting to share her love of music with the students.