Meagan McGough
Where do you live? Northport, New York, USA.
Current company and position? The McGough Academy, Owner & Director, PRINE Health, Director of Business Development and Marketing.
First job and what it taught me? My very first job was as a babysitter, and it played a surprisingly important role in shaping the career I’ve built as a dance teacher. Babysitting taught me patience, responsibility, and how to connect with children in a way that made them feel safe, understood, and encouraged. I learned how to communicate clearly, manage different personalities, and create fun, structured activities that kept kids engaged.
Those early experiences naturally carried into my work in the studio. When I began teaching dance, I recognized the same skills at play, guiding young dancers through challenges, motivating them with positive reinforcement, and adapting my teaching style to match their needs. Babysitting gave me the foundation for strong classroom management and the confidence to lead with empathy.
In many ways, caring for children was my first introduction to teaching. It taught me how to nurture growth, inspire creativity, and support kids as they discover what they’re capable of. Those lessons have stayed with me ever since and are a big part of why I chose to pursue dance education as my career.
How do you embrace your Irish heritage? I embrace my Irish heritage every day through the traditions I share with my family and the way I teach Irish dance here in the United States. Growing up, our home was filled with the customs, stories, and celebrations that kept our Irish roots alive. Whether it was gathering for holidays, listening to traditional music with my Grammy and Poppy, or honoring the values passed down through generations, these traditions gave me a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Teaching Irish dance allows me to carry that heritage forward in a meaningful way. In the studio, I get to celebrate the artistry, history, and spirit of Irish culture with each new group of dancers. I love introducing students to the rhythms, discipline, and joy of the dance style, and showing them how it connects to a larger cultural story. Sharing these traditions in the U.S. not only keeps my heritage alive for me, it helps pass it on to others and builds a community that appreciates and celebrates Irish culture. Through both my family traditions and my work as a dance teacher, I’m able to honor where I come from while helping inspire the next generation.
Something people would be surprised to know about me... Something people are usually surprised to learn about me is that even though I’m a dance teacher, I was incredibly shy when I was younger, and dance is what brought me out of my shell.
Biography: Meagan is a results-driven business development leader with over a decade of experience turning market insights into sustainable growth. She holds an MBA from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State. As Director of Business Development at PRINE Health, she recruits board-certified physicians and clinicians dedicated to exceptional patient care. Outside of work, Meagan teaches at the McGough Academy of Irish Dance, mentoring young dancers and celebrating her Irish heritage. She lives on Long Island and supports youth in the arts through her family foundation. She is passionate about community health and cultural education in her daily work.
