The transformation of the human heart is the work of a lifetime and that is just why you have been given a lifetime in which to do it

Alan Morinis

A little about me.

My background is as an educator. I cut my teeth leading extended backcountry expeditions. Most of my work is indoors now, but the core lessons I’ve learned in the wilderness—the complexity, patterns, and resilience of ecosystems; the power of group culture; the skills needed to lead teams in high-consequence/low-information environments; the importance of contingency planning; the value of celebrating and leveraging difference; and our ability to influence team goal achievement from any seat on the bus—all inform my work.

I partner with individuals and teams to deepen our awareness and connection—to each other, our missions, and ourselves. I believe the space created between us can provide understanding, transformation, and healing.

I’m a board-certified coach (ICF PCC, NBHWC). I’m trained in Non-Violent Communication, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems (IFS, Level 1 Trained), and Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFS for couples). To learn more about IFS, check out the IFS-I website.

I’m a white settler who is working hard to unhook from and disrupt the ongoing impacts and legacies of colonization and racism. For me, liberation is a continuing process that bridges our personal work with collective work.

  • [Em] is a humble, fierce, and relentless advocate for justice.

    Scott, Executive

  • So much respect for the skill sets Em has implemented at [our org]...the ability to hold technical and adaptive; stay calm, brave, and low drama in stressful circumstances; build rapport with lots of different stakeholders; and follow through on vision.

    Alyssa, Director

  • Incredible facilitator. Present, playful, courageous, & big-hearted.

    Damien, Participant

  • Thank you for your work on the retreat! Your sensitivity to the most subtle of cues was astounding. And, you followed up with such extraordinary finesse. The exercises were perfectly appropriate and timed. It never felt forced or “cheesy.” You are national in scope and we are so fortunate to have you. You simply engender trust and your judgment is a marvel to watch, thank you!

    Tom, Board Member

  • I gotta say, you have mad listening skills—the “hard” skills of reflective listening, incisive follow-up questions, encouragement, as well as the “soft” skills of hearing both the good and the bad and responding with compassion and understanding.

    Alex, Owner

  • You have changed [our org], fundamentally, for the better. Working with and learning from you has been a highlight. I have rarely, if ever, watched someone be so fearless, humble, and specific in a moving an organization in a particular direction--in empowering the people who should be at the table and holding those accountable who have earned that. I have been so positively impacted and inspired by you as a human and your work.

    Ben, Manager