Emily began ballet at age five in Roanoke, VA, training at Roanoke Ballet Theatre and later with Unurbat Gunaajav and Michele Goacher. She attended summer intensives at Richmond Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and on scholarship with Dance Theatre of Harlem, and studied at the Virginia School of the Arts under Petrus Bosman before training with Richmond Ballet.

While earning a degree in Nonprofit Management and Arts Administration from the University of Virginia, Emily co-founded Charlottesville Ballet. A founding company member for a decade, she retired from performing in 2018 to lead the organization’s marketing and development efforts.

In spring 2026, Emily will shift from her role as full-time director after 18 seasons in order to focus on her family. She will be moving into a part-time strategic role, helping with visioning and capacity-building for the organization. A proud member of Lead Virginia’s Class of 2025, Emily remains dedicated to strengthening arts partnerships and community engagement across the Commonwealth as Charlottesville Ballet continues to grow into its next chapter.