Emily grew up in the Presbyterian church, the daughter of a Presbyterian pastor. By age 18 she had lived in six different cities and four different states east of the Mississippi. She observed her parents and other church leaders embodying a faith that connected serving their communities as a response to God’s amazing love. Emily felt called to embody that same kind of faith. As a youth she volunteered for VBS, sang in the church choir, and went on countless mission trips. She went to college at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. Her call to professional ministry includes more than twelve non-consecutive years in service to God and the church. She preached, planned, and led worship—all before starting seminary. She most recently served as Ministry Coordinator for UKirk Birmingham, College Ministry, in Birmingham. Among her numerous positions, she has served as an Intern Chaplain at Kirkwood by the River, a retirement community in Birmingham, and as Youth Director at both Independent Presbyterian Church and Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church, both in Birmingham. These positions have placed her in leadership and mentoring roles with all ages. Shortly after Emily moved to Birmingham in 2010 she met her husband, Josh Hamilton, who is a University of Alabama alumnus. Emily and Josh got married in 2012. They love to cook, hike and travel together. They have been to 6 different National Parks and four different countries since they’ve been married.