Emily Ackin-O'Mahoney (Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pom, Pointe) Emily is a graduate of the University of the Arts where she earned a BFA in Dance Education. There she studied under masters such as Wayne St. David, Roni Koresh, Scott Jovovich, Kim Bears-Bailey, and Michael Sheridan. Emily grew up in Kansas City, Missouri training at Ibsen Dance Theatre, supplemented by Joffrey San Antonio, Missouri Fine Arts Academy, and Stephens College Summer Dance Program. She was a member of the award-winning North Kansas City High School Dance Team and two-time UDA All-Star recipient. Emily has taught at studios across the Philadelphia suburbs for over a decade and is a former Universal Dance Association instructor where she taught & evaluated high school dance teams throughout the eastern region of the country. She is currently the Co-Head Coach for the Garnet Valley High School Dance Team. Her choreography has been performed in the Philadelphia area as well as in showcases at Disney World and Universal Florida. Emily has been honored with acknowledgements including Innovative Choreography (NDA). When not teaching or coaching, you can find Emily as a property manager or spending time with her husband and their two adorable dogs, Gary and Dottie. Emily loves teaching at Darlington - spreading a love for dance and appreciation for the arts!
Melissa Hanigosky (Yoga) Melissa is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor who was an on-again, off-again yogi for about 10 years, taking her first yoga class in college. Through moves and life changes, Melissa came back to a consistent physical yoga practice when relocating to the Philadelphia area. She loves to share a fun and fast flow with her classes, building strength in our bodies to build strength in our minds and actions.
Linda Tracy (Silver Sneakers) Linda earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Drexel University where she majored in Marketing and minored in Art. She went on to pursue her law degree, earning her J.D. from Temple University’s School of Law. Throughout successful careers in Advertising, Business, and Law, Linda always pursued her true love of fitness. She enjoyed participating in competitive sports including triathlons and half marathons and continues to compete in local 5K’s. She earned her Masters Rank/4th Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do in 2018 and taught karate at McCormick Karate Academy and Way Martial Arts for several years. During that time, she also began teaching Silver Sneakers to seniors. Linda discovered that she really loved teaching seniors. She obtained her Silver Sneakers certification, along with a Group Fitness Instructor certification. To her, physical fitness is so important no matter what your age. Silver Sneakers keeps her students young, fit and active. Linda focuses on strength, flexibility, balance, agility and mobility, while keeping her classes fun and upbeat with music from the 50s, 60s and Motown. Silver Sneakers is also a great way for her students to make new friends. In addition to teaching Silver Sneakers, Linda is a pastel artist and teaches pastel art classes in Aston and Garnet Valley. She is married, with five children, six grandchildren, and five cats. Her other interests include running, weight training, gardening, painting and spending time with her family.