Mrs. Olsen has taught music to thousands of young musicians in Riverside Unified School District schools since beginning her teaching career in 1999.  She completed her advanced studies at the University of Redlands, where she earned her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Degrees in Music Performance.

Mrs. Olsen was honored with the 2023 Outstanding Middle School Educator Award by the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA). She was named Frank Augustus Middle School's Teacher of the Year for 24-25, and was the conductor of the San Bernardino County Music Educators Association (SBCMEA) Middle School Honor Band in 2025. Her bands consistently earn superior ratings at District and Regional Band Festivals. Miller advanced band was one of three middle school bands statewide to perform at the California Music Educator Association State Band Festival in 2024. Mrs. Olsen has been the recipient of REEF and Barbara Kerr Foundation Grants for her Jazz Band, Concert Bands and Indoor Percussion. Mrs. Olsen's bands consistently receive superior ratings at SCSBOA festival.

Mrs. Olsen took the helm as director at Miller from her late friend, Mr. Paul Salyers, whose work and dedication inspired so many. Under Mrs. Olsen's direction, Frank Augustus Miller Middle School Band commissioned wind band composer Brian Balmages to compose Heart of Gold in his memory. The world premier, conducted by colleague and friend Pete Jackson, took place in January 2020 and was performed by his former band students.

In addition to teaching band, Mrs. Olsen is also an accomplished saxophonist. She has twice competed in the International Adolphe Sax Competition in Dinant, Belgium. She has performed as a soloist with the Redlands Symphony Orchestra and at the Redlands Bowl. She is featured on America's Millenium Tribute to Adolphe Sax (AUR Recordings). Mrs. Olsen currently performs with the Moreno Valley Wind Symphony.

Many of Mrs. Olsen's students have continued their study of music in college, including several who have earned advanced music degrees and become band directors in RUSD and other districts.