Allen attended Western Washington University, where she earned a bachelor's of arts in music and then continued to earn a master's degree in teaching. She began her teaching career in Everett, where she was director of bands at Cascade High School for three years. Allen then moved to Renton and has been teaching elementary music. She has taught at many music camps. She also provides private lessons and occasionally performs in the area. Allen has been teaching in Renton for six years.