She holds B.S. degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Santa Clara University, an M.A. degree in Mathematics from the University of Washington, and an M.Ed and a Ph.D. degree in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership and Mathematics Education, respectively, from Vanderbilt University. Prior to attending Vanderbilt University, Dr. Wilhelm taught high school mathematics, ranging from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus, for four years in the Seattle area.