Ms. McGowan has directed handbell choirs in Episcopal, Methodist, and Lutheran churches from Louisiana to Minnesota for over 15 years. She brings her background of education, teaching and extensive training in Handbells and Handchimes to both the conducting podium and the workshop setting in local, regional, and international conferences and clinics, handbell festivals and music camps, and events and seminars of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Inc. (AGEHR). She was most enthusiastically received as the director/clinician for the Arizona State Festival/Conference in 2009.

She has received handbell instruction from Donald Allured, William Payn, Dr. Paul Rosene, Michael Keller, and William Griffin. She was accredited in the first AGEHR Master Class in conducting receiving certification as Massed Conductor, Level One. She has served on the Area and National Board of directors for AGEHR, Inc. and her articles have appeared in Overtones magazine.