A native of Alaska, Atherholt has performed to stellar reviews as a featured concerto soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic, A Far Cry, and the Hamptons Festival of Music. Atherholt served as principal oboist of the Louisiana Philharmonic for eleven seasons and has performed as guest principal oboist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Mineria Orchestra in Mexico City and Detroit Symphony, as well as guest associate principal oboist with the Pittsburgh Symphony and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Atherholt spent four summers at the Marlboro Music Festival and currently performs each summer with the Grand Teton Music Festival.

She has served on the faculty of John Mack Oboe Camp, Interlochen Arts Camp, the Wintergreen Music Academy, and the Vianden International Music School in Luxemburg. Recent performances include guest principal oboist with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico.