She is best known for her role as Shelly Tambo on the television series Northern Exposure (1990–1995), which earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

One of four children born to John Hart Geary and Shirley Hester[2] (the latter a voice and music teacher who encouraged her daughter to study voice, piano and ballet),[3] Geary attended Jackson Preparatory School and the University of Mississippi,[4] where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in vocal performance.

[3] Her acting career began with a series of national commercials, including spots for Coca-Cola and General Motors.

She soon had numerous guest starring roles on a variety of television programs, made-for-television movies and independent films, including a small part in Smoke Signals, a film based on the short stories of Native American author Sherman Alexie.

She received Primetime Emmy nominations—two years in a row (1992, 1993)--for Best Supporting Actress, based on her role in Northern Exposure (1990-1995), an ensemble comedy set in rural Alaska.