EMILY HARPER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Emily Harper began dancing on the north side of Atlanta at the age of four at the Dance Stop Studios in Marietta. During her middle and high school years Emily had the opportunity to further her study of dance as a member of the Dance Stop Company under the artistic direction of Lynette Strickland. During her time with the company, Emily was privileged to study ballet with Melanie Forsberg and Terrel Paulk, two master teachers who had a significant impact on her development as a dancer. As a high school senior, in the spring of 1992 at the Panoply Arts Festival in Huntsville, Alabama, Emily had the opportunity to participate in a choreography competition and her contemporary ballet piece received an honorable mention. Upon graduation of high school, Emily felt the Lord leading her to work with children and pursued a degree in elementary education at Furman University. From 1996-2001 Emily enjoyed a fulfilling career as a middle school History and English teacher at East Cobb Christian School in Marietta. She is now excited to combine her love of dance and teaching children in an environment where honoring God is a priority. A mother of two wonderful kids, Will and Mallory, Emily enjoys spending time with her children and husband Matt. Since 2003, Matt and Emily have served with Operation Mobilization in Tyrone sending out missionaries into the nations.