Monica Rae was born and raised in Missouri, where she earned a B.S. degree in English and Speech from Southeast Missouri State University and a Masters Degree in Theatre/Directing from St. Louis University. While teaching in the St. Louis area, Monica performed in Dinner Theatre and Musical Theatre Productions with such notables as Bill McCutcheon and Scott Bakula. A love of theatre and performing brought Monica to Southern California where she worked for several years in films, TV and commercials and landed a couple of recurring roles on Days of Our Lives and General Hospital. A chance meeting with an attorney at an industry function, lead to part-time work in the legal field. Monica soon discovered she had a "knack" for legaleze and soon switched her priorities.

Monica met Ivan at his brother's wedding and they've been together ever since. Although Monica grew up around square dancing (her parents have been dancing 50 years and have taught round dancing for 25 years), she never took lessons. When Monica saw a demonstration at Lombardi's Ranch in Saugus, she convinced him to give it a try.

To read about Monica & Ivan's Square Dance Life