Emily is a Certified Child Life Specialist based in Durham, NC and southern, VA. Born and raised in in Eastern North Carolina, she received her bachelor's degree from East Carolina University in Child Life and received a masters in health leadership from Western Governor's University. 

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She trained as a child life specialist at ECU Brody School of Medicine, Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC, and went on to develop the NICU Child Life program at Golisano Children's Hospital of SWFL. 

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She has served patients and families in the Pediatric ICU, Neonatal ICU, Oncology/Hematology units, Surgery units, and Emergency Departments. She has also served families in general pediatrics and children of adult patients, as well. 

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Emily continues to advocate for children, families, and students by consulting and working with child life students and underserved populations. She serves on the Association of Child Life Professionals Mentorship Board and is part of several non-profit organizations. 

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Emily has presented nationally on Neonatal care and child life, has developed plans for health systems - including bereavement policies and strategies for neurodiverse individuals, and has partnered with many child life specialists in efforts to promote the child life profession.

In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, catching up on her favorite shows, and spending time with her family and two dogs. 

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