For much of her childhood, Emmy spent her days at the library and starry nights climbing trees. Eventually becoming an ECE teacher, she began developing her own forest stories for her students. After teaching public school, she went on to earn a Master's degree in Folklore (expressive culture) and a graduate certificate in Arts and Administration at the University of Oregon and did her doctoral work in London, England. It was during this time that she learned Makaton, a unique language program designed to help people with learning or communication differences by using gestures and pictures. Back in the PNW, Emmy started up live musical storytelling events with her magical main character, the Squatchie. As the mother of a neurodiverse family with a variety of needs, Emmy’s mission is to make sure that ALL brains, ALL bodies, and ALL abilities can enjoy the Squatchie’s magical stories. She is also a 500-hr registered yoga teacher and a 95-hr registered children’s yoga and mindfulness teacher specializing in accessible classes for children of diverse abilities and backgrounds.
Emmy currently lives outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband, two young children, two cats, a dog, a crested gecko, and a garden snail, while dreaming about living in the forest full time.