Emily was born in Carmel, IN and had her beginnings within the United Methodist Church. Upon moving to Arizona at the age of 12, her family joined the PC(U.S.A.) through the ministries of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church where her love for God grew through opportunities for participation in youth and music programming. After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2012 and with the guidance of her pastors, she matriculated into Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where she earned her M.Div in 2015. That same year Emily became a Lilly Fellow Resident Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor, MI and learned of her love for the areas of pastoral care and youth ministries. After completion of her resident term, she went on to serve First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach in 2017 as an associate pastor in a time of transition.
Emily has served First Presbyterian Church of Bryan since September 2019. Though her ministerial duties are vast, some of her greatest enjoyment comes from serving the young families, youth, and children and joining various Presbyterian Women circles for class and discussion. In June of 2020, Emily became a Doctor of Ministry student at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in the Spirituality and Wonderment Track, exploring where and how we may encounter awe and wonder in the context of faith, history, tradition, and expression. Links to some of her papers can be found below. One unique element Emily has brought to her ministry is the added ministry of Bandit, her blind therapy dog, trained in pastoral visitation. Though Bandit passed away in 2021, his work will not be forgotten. In the Spring of 2022, we welcome a new addition to the church family with big paws to fill.
Emily’s hope is that the Church will always seek to draw closer to God, following in the way of Jesus Christ; moving with compassion, kindness, and grace.