Emily grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where family travels abroad sparked her interest in exploring new places and cultures. That early curiosity deepened during her time at Lake Forest College, where a semester abroad solidified her commitment to international travel and immersive experiences in the natural world.

After graduating, Emily set off on a yearlong journey across the Southern Hemisphere, seeking out remote landscapes and diverse wildlife. Africa soon became a professional and personal focus. She relocated to Tanzania, where she managed a high-end Kilimanjaro outfitter, overseeing logistics and operations while gaining extensive field experience. During her time there, she regularly explored Tanzania’s national parks and developed a deep knowledge of the region’s wildlife destinations.

Upon returning to the United States, Emily became an Africa specialist, designing custom journeys across Africa and South America. She was recognized as one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists for her expertise and attention to detail. Having visited more than 50 countries, she brings broad global perspective and strong operational experience to her role at Natural Habitat Adventures.

Emily’s travels have taken her from Gombe Stream National Park to see Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees to the dunes of Namibia, the glaciers of Patagonia and the mountains of Nepal and Tanzania, where she summited both Kilimanjaro and Meru. She lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her husband, two daughters and Bernese mountain dog.