Emily was fortunate to spend her childhood playing in the wilderness of Flathead Valley, Montana, where she cultivated a deep sense of joy, belonging to land, and dependence on outdoor spaces.

For several years, she took time away from school in order to pursue curious endeavors ranging from international travel and service work, guiding wilderness and river trips, and cultivating a spiritual practice while living at an ashram and studying yoga and meditation. It was these experiences and passions that directed her return to school at Western Washington University to study Therapeutic Recreation and Place-Based Healing. Her studies blossomed at the confluence of somatic practice, recreation, ecology, and community care.

Emily finds her joy in building relationship with the land and community she inhabits. She first came to Hailey in the summer of 2024 for an internship with Higher Ground and immediately felt the love and uniqueness of this valley. She is overwhelmed with gratitude to be joining the Flourish community and building a home in Idaho.