Nia grew up in San Antonio, Texas and her innate ability and talent for music had her playing piano at age five. She then began playing string bass in fourth grade and later would benefit from private instruction with Steve Zeserman all while continuing her studies in piano.

After attending the Tanglewood summer music program, she was invited to attended the Walnut Hill School in Natick, Massachusetts. She studied orchestral bass under the tutelage of Todd Seeber in conjunction with the New England Conservatory preparatory program.

After completing her time in Boston, Massachusetts she continued her studies of orchestral bass under the instruction of Satoshi Okamoto, who encouraged her to audition for a spot in Albert Laszlos studio. Nia now holds a bachelor's degree in double bass performance from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Having a passion for pedagogy of string instruments and voice, she began her studies in education at Miami University where classroom observations further ignited her enthusiasm for music education. She maintained a private studio of students in the area before joining Ted Brown and works in the Central Kitsap School District as a paraeducator.

When she's not holding an instrument she enjoys traveling, gardening and time spent with her two sons and daughter.