Emily has worked with children and families with special needs for the past 15 years. She graduated from UNCA with a degree in interdisciplinary child development, with an emphasis in behavior disorders in young children. After providing direct services for young children with severe challenging behavior at Family Preservation Services, Emily joined FIRST Sunshine Project Preschool Inclusion Program as a consultant in 2007, to promote inclusion and success for young children in their classroom environment.

As FIRST expanded their services available to families, Emily continued to focus her work and training on providing quality support, interventions, and education for children struggling with challenging behaviors, social/emotional delays, and developmental disabilities.

In 2008, Emily became a certified facilitator of the Incredible Years Parenting Series for young children with challenging behavior, and led parenting groups for 8 years. In 2009, Emily became a licensed home consultant for the P.L.A.Y. project, a D.I.R./Floortime based autism intervention program that trains parents on using therapy techniques for intensive intervention for young children on the autism spectrum. Emily became an Infant Toddler Family Specialist for Early Intervention in 2010, and continues to provide developmental support for children up to three years old with developmental delays and behavior challenges.

Emily continues to be inspired and grow from the knowledge she gets from working with such amazing children and families.

Emily moved to Asheville from Louisiana in 1996, and has remained in the mountains ever since. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, including two young daughters. She enjoys spending time outside and exploring new places. She enjoys reading (when she is not too tired that it makes her fall asleep).