About Emily

Educational Background & Early Career
I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Oregon, followed by a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2009. For over a decade, I worked as a licensed medical speech pathologist, specializing in diagnosing and treating adults with swallowing disorders.

Discovering Craniosacral Therapy
In 2014, my personal journey led me to craniosacral therapy. Recovering from brain surgery and managing persistent pain, I turned to a friend who is a physical therapist. Through the gentle, yet profound work of craniosacral therapy, my pain resolved in just six sessions. Inspired by its transformative power, I began studying craniosacral therapy and quickly saw its potential benefits for my patients.

Most of my training has been through the Upledger Institute and the Carol Gray Center for CST Studies. In 2018, I earned my massage therapy license to pursue my passion for holistic care and established my own craniosacral therapy practice.

Evolving My Practice to Support Infants & Families
Initially focused on adults, my practice gradually transitioned to working with infants. This shift was driven by my desire to address the feeding challenges and tension patterns often present in babies. Many infants I worked with had tethered oral tissues (tongue and/or lip ties) or body tension that impacted feeding and early developmental experiences.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of whole-body tension and oral function, I combined my expertise in speech pathology with craniosacral therapy to offer a truly integrated approach. In recent years, in addition to ongoing craniosacral training, I have taken multiple specialized courses on assessing and managing feeding issues in babies with oral tethers, using standardized screening tools like the Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF), and developing customized home programs to support feeding skills. This has allowed me to integrate my years of medical experience into my practice without compromising my dedicated foundation in craniosacral therapy.

A Holistic & Nervous-System-Informed Approach
In my practice, I address feeding concerns from both a whole-body and oral-function perspective. My sessions may include craniosacral therapy, targeted oral motor stimulation, and personalized home activities to help families support their babies.

Grounded in polyvagal theory, I deeply believe that early experiences shape the nervous system and influence how we engage with the world. When basic needs like nutrition and comfort are unmet, the body prioritizes survival, potentially affecting development in other areas like social connection and communication. My work not only supports babies' physical well-being but also fosters a sense of safety and comfort in their bodies.

It is My Privilege
If you spend much time in my office, you will likely hear me say that I think I have one of the best jobs ever. And I believe it every time I say it. On a daily basis I am grateful I get to do what I do. Both the amazing changes I witness and the trust of families and individuals I work with bring me continuous awe. It is an honor to provide craniosacral therapy to any individual, and my hope that this comes across in my work to each client and family.