Emily is the CEO/COO of ARCHway Institute, a 501(c)3 that helps to support organizations that work with those impacted by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. She recently published a book titled “Igniting Hope: The Story of a Community Lighting the Way to Recovery” that speaks to ARCHway’s work to bring hope to all those impacted by substance use disorders.

In addition, Emily is the founder of two peer coalitions: MO-PROS (Providing resources, opportunities, and service to Missourians in Recovery) and The National Peer Recovery Alliance (NPRA). Both coalitions focus on advocacy efforts around long-term recovery as well as peer workforce development and sustainability.

Emily has a Bachelor of Education from Southeast Missouri State University and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Missouri Baptist University. She taught for six years in the Parkway School District in Missouri. As a previous educator and through her own experience, she sees the need for open and honest communication about addiction and mental health. She believes these conversations need to happen in schools, homes and in public venues to bring awareness and understanding, to prevent future use and overdosing, and to disseminate knowledge of the resources and treatment opportunities that are available.