Emily started dancing when she was just 4 years old and has danced with a number of schools in the Twin Cities over the past two decades. Growing up, she danced competitively under the direction of Katie Griffen TCRG and Rachel Knutson TCRG. In 2003, Emily decided to retire from competition and pursue her love of performance. Emily danced and taught for several years at the Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers in St. Paul where she had the amazing opportunity to perform with many local and international bands such as Dropkick Murphys, Gaelic Storm, Eileen Ivers, Katie McMahon, The Chieftans, The Young Dubliners, Scythian, Two Tap Trio, Myserk, and Tom Dahill. Emily also acted as Assistant Director, Instructor and Chief Choreographer of Rince na Chroi for 8 years.

Emily then decided to take her career to the next level by pursuing her Teaching Certification with An Coimisuin Le Rinci Gaelacha. She received her TCRG in December 2012 and in May 2013 she began the Mactír Academy of Irish Dance.

Outside of dance, Emily holds a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from St. Catherine University and worked for several years in the non-profit sector working with youth development for both Union Gospel Mission and Bethel University. Through her experience working with children and adults of all socioeconomic backgrounds, she is a true believer in social change through the art of dance. Not only does the Mactír Academy allow Emily to tap into her creative side, it gives her the opportunity to affect the lives of youth in such a positive way.