Emma has been dedicated to veterinary medicine since 2006 and became a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) in 2009. She has spent much of her career in specialty and emergency hospitals, later expanding into general practice, bringing nearly two decades of operational, financial, and team leadership experience to the veterinary field.

Emma believes that people are an organization’s greatest asset. Her leadership philosophy is simple: when you take care of your team, they take care of the mission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Accounting and is deeply committed to thoughtful financial stewardship, strong HR practices, and sustainable growth.

From 2006 to 2025, Emma served on the Monterey Bay Area Veterinary Medical Association (MBAVMA) for Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, contributing to professional collaboration and community connection within the local veterinary network.

Emma began working with BirchBark Foundation as an independent contractor in 2022 and transitioned into a part-time role as HR & Finance Manager in October 2025. She now splits her professional life between active veterinary practice management in a clinic setting in Scotts Valley and supporting BirchBark’s mission to preserve and protect the human-animal bond through financial assistance and grief support programs.

Beyond her professional work, Emma supports animal welfare nonprofits and small businesses with accounting, HR, and operational strategy. At home, she shares her life with a house full of animals — with a special fondness for brachycephalic breeds and kitties — along with her husband, three children, and five grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, cooking, music, reading, and spending time with family.