Born in Long Island, New York, Casalino expressed interest in music as a child, learning both hands on and scholastically. In addition to vocals she is versed in multiple instruments, notably keyboards and acoustic guitar. After high school graduation, earning a Regents diploma with Honors from Johnsburg Central, class of 1990, she studied music education and underwent classical vocal training at the Crane School of Music (SUNY at Potsdam), receiving bachelor's and master's degrees in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Soon after college she accepted a position at Hillsborough County Public Schools in Florida as a music instructor and choral Director at Durant High School. She moved to Tampa and began to develop the music program, which included writing the school's song. In 2004, she left education to pursue a full-time singing career.