Aileen grew up in suburban Maryland, the oldest of 5 athletic children. In her youth, she spent time swimming competitively and training as a ballerina, and her athletic interests turned to field hockey and lacrosse during her high school years.  When Aileen arrived at Fordham University, she played lacrosse at the club level and found running as way to stay in shape during the offseason.

 Running became a bigger passion for Aileen after graduating from college and she placed highly at many New York Road Runner races, without the help of any formal coaching.  Aileen won the Country Music Half Marathon in 2006, and taking the advice of lifelong friends, joined the nationally-renowned Central Park Club in an effort to take her running to the next level.  Under the tutelage of coaches Devon Martin and Tony Ruiz, Aileen quickly became one of the top local runners in New York City, excelling in road racing, cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track, while maintaining a full-time job as a product manager at Ralph Lauren.  She quickly climbed the ranks, earning a spot in NYRR's elite President's circle, winning multiple USATF Club Track titles in the 5k and 10K on the track, and qualifying at the 3k for the 2009 USATF National Indoor Track Championships in Boston, as well as the 10k for the USATF National Outdoor Track Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

CPTC proved a springboard to becoming a national-class runner, but Aileen also met her husband, Jay, on the club.  Her running career went on hold to give birth to her three sons, but Aileen has remained competitive, qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Trials Marathon with her 2:44 Marathon at Grandma's in 2018.

In addition to running competitively, Aileen has also coached for the Nike Running Club and was an assistant coach at the St. Bernard's school in Manhattan.