Emma Burck joined the Anima staff as the Program Coordinator in February 2022. Burck brings a variety of experience in classical music, arts education, and non-profit administration to her new role. Hailing from the Aurora-Naperville area, Burck benefited from strong music programs during her childhood and is thrilled to give back to the community as the Program Coordinator of Anima.  

Burck earned her B.A. from St. Olaf College in 2017. While pursuing her degree, she studied cello with Anna Clift and harp with Elinor Niemisto. Burck was a member of the St. Olaf Band, St. Olaf Harp Ensemble, St. Olaf Philharmonia, St. Olaf Manitou Singers, and various string ensembles.

Burck has previously worked in Alaska at Sitka Fine Arts Camp as both the Director of Student Life (2017-20) and Office Manager (2019-20). While in Alaska, she also served as the Program & Operations Fellow (2018-19) at Outer Coast – an emerging institution of higher education in Sitka – and started a small violin and cello studio. Returning to Illinois, Burck served as an Early Childhood Program Assistant (2020-22) at the Morton Arboretum, assisting in the Little Trees Early Learning Program and developing music-based, early childhood nature programs with the Children’s Garden.

In addition to her role at Anima, Burck currently serves as a professional writing coach at College of DuPage and leads the children's music program at Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville. In her free time, Burck enjoys gardening, jamming on her current favorite musical instrument, and spending time with her family, friends, and two cats.

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