Areas of expertise:

• Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Education

• Community

• Storytelling

• Systems Innovation

• Operations Management

• Leadership

Originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, Emily moved to the northern hemisphere, spent her teens in Heiltsuk Territory on the central coast of BC, and eventually found a home on Vancouver Island.

Emily is a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies student at Royal Roads University. A previous graduate of the Simon Fraser University Writers Studio Program, she discovered a passion for poetry and explored various literary genres during her time there. In 2018, Emily founded The Connection Project and serves as Artistic Director and Speaker Coach for the Connection Project’s annual mental health storytelling event.

Emily's exploration into documentary work includes Loving the Darkness, a film about her inaugural Connection Project, and earning her first Director and Producer credits in 2024 for I, ŚETEṈ E TŦE ĆESE ŚX̱ENÁṈs TEṈEW̱ - Walking in Two Worlds, a documentary about the history of the WSANEC School Board. Her transition to filmmaking stems from a deep appreciation for storytelling as a meaningful tool to establish genuine human connections.

With over two decades of experience in leadership and management, Emily is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve their fullest potential. She currently works in Human Resources at the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board.

As a dedicated Cultivating Safe Spaces training facilitator, Emily aims to dismantle colonial influences in personal and systemic contexts, drawing on her skill set and extensive experience to drive positive and enduring change.

Emily lives in W̱SÁNEĆ Territory on Vancouver Island, BC, with her husband and two children.