Emily began volunteering at North Helpline in 2019 because she wanted to work directly with clients in the Lake City neighborhood. She joined the board in 2021 and became board chair shortly thereafter. “One of the greatest services we provide is human connection.”

She grew up in Montana and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in community health, a minor in human development and a certificate in gerontology.

Her participation in a study abroad program took her to the University of Western Australia learning about that nation’s public health system, its Aboriginal history and its similarities with health disparities in the United States. 

During her time there she also volunteered at Swim for Refugees,  providing lessons for asylum seekers; a program that distributes lunch to the unhoused; and a transitional housing  program for women 50 and older who identify of Aboriginal.

She works as the Older Adult Program Manager at Seattle Public Library.