Emily's journey through the world of theater and advocacy is a testament to her remarkable ability to forge connections and empower others. Her career began as a vibrant member of the renowned Bread and Puppet Theater in Glover, Vermont. Immersed in this creative environment, Emily honed her talent for bringing people together, organizing captivating shows, and teaching across diverse communities spanning 25 countries.

Driven by her passion for inclusivity, Emily founded Awareness Theater, a dynamic troupe that shared the powerful stories of its members for 17 impactful years. Through her innovative techniques, she created a space where individuals, regardless of ability, could connect authentically and collaboratively.

As the Director of Creative Performance and Cultural Access at VSA Vermont for over a decade, Emily led transformative programs, including the High School Self Advocacy Theater Program. Through engaging discussions and playful theater games, participants discovered themselves and learned to thrive in group settings.

Beyond the stage, Emily's commitment to justice and community shines. As a former commissioner for the Burlington Parallel Justice Program, she provided a platform for crime victims to share their stories and advocated for systemic changes to better meet their needs. Additionally, her involvement in various committees and boards reflects her dedication to creating positive change in her community.

Currently, Emily serves as the Bridging Coordinator at Champlain Community Services, guiding high school students on their journey to adulthood. She also co-facilitates Champlain Voices, an advocacy groups under the umbrella of Green Mountain Self Advocates, a state-wide organization.

Emily's diverse experiences and unwavering dedication make her a force for positive transformation, inspiring others to create meaningful lives and advocate for change

Past Projects

Awareness Theater
Founder, Director

Awareness Theater is a dynamic theater group composed of people with and without disabilities.   The Awareness Theater technique creates a shared context that facilitates interactions between people with and without disabilities.  Awareness Theater has produced several other projects many of which were commissioned by various organizations and customized to those organizations’ goals.

“I am in here.”; a movie by
​Mark Utter

Producer

Mark Utter, a man who cannot speak but types his thought with support asked me to produce his story. I assembled a team and facilitated the collaboration between all team members to produce this movie in a way that allowed Mark to maintain creative control.

For more information on this project please go to Utter Communication Strategies.

Bill’s Bill:  Our History of Special Education in Vermont

Producer, Director

A production that shows the successful use of advocacy and activism to bring about equal access to education.  This project started with interviews with adults with disabilities, parents, educators and legislators.   I then led workshop to create the play.  We toured it around Vermont.  Each performance was followed by discussion and voter registration.  We then produced a movie based on the play.

A Car Owner’s Lament

Producer, Director

A commission for The Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.  A short theater piece promoting Burlington’s Parallel Justice Program through one victim’s story.  This piece used original artwork and humor.

And Justice For all

Producer, Director

A commission for The Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.  A short theater piece promoting justice programs for underprivileged populations that used anecdotes and live music.

Living the Good Life in Vermont

A commission for the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.  Two theater pieces that provided refugees and undocumented farmworkers with information about crime victim services.  Both of these pieces used elements of street theater to present their message.  They were both turned into short movies.

Awareness Theater TV Show

Producer, Director

33 one-half hour episodes.  Full production from concept to guest selection, shooting, editing and post production.  Most shows consisted of a presentation of a short theater piece or film followed by interview with the creators or participants.  The show provided a context to meet interesting people doing interesting things.