EMMA M. CHURCHMAN, MDIV
Speaker, Author, Mentor, and Spiritual Advisor
Emma Churchman has been called the poster child for surviving grief and trauma. Raised by a depressive, alcoholic father and a mother with an extreme case of multiple personality disorder, her childhood was rife with trauma. Growing up in the Washington, DC area, Emma spent her childhood fighting to survive, while helping to raise her three younger brothers. Her father and all three brothers died by suicide, between the ages of thirty-five and forty-eight.
She started her first business when she was twenty-four years old, desiring to create her own legacy in the world. She went to seminary when she was thirty, seeking a way to heal and transform her own trauma.
A former spiritual director, graduate religious teacher, and both trauma and hospice chaplain in rural Appalachia, Emma has extensive experience accompanying people of many different faith traditions: Christian, Anabaptist, Eastern, and Universal, as well as those still wrestling with their spiritual identity and theology.
As a Quaker minister, psychic, spiritual teacher, and business mentor, Emma brings a wealth of experience to her keynote talks about how to process trauma as you are going through it.
With twenty+ years mentoring, twenty-five years personal experience in business ownership, and twenty years as a professional psychic, her mentoring and speaking is rooted in the practical AND the spiritual.
Recognized as a Top Executive Coach by the Coach Foundation, Emma has mentored thousands of entrepreneurs, leaders, business owners, and executives in how to navigate massive change and disruption in life and business.
She has a Master of Divinity degree and is a PhD candidate in Conscious Business Ethics. She is the author of The Deep End of Hope in the Wake of Helene: 40 Days and Nights of Survival and Transformation (GracePoint Publishing, Feb. 2025) and another book about being raised by mental illness: How she survived and eventually thrived despite growing up in a family where it was hard to exist (GracePoint Publishing, Sept. 2025).
Why Emma's Story Matters
Timely and Universal Topics: Leadership during disasters, spiritual resilience, and real-time trauma recovery.
Inspiring Personal Journey: Emma’s triumph over her own trauma adds authenticity and depth to her message.
Practical Takeaways: Actionable steps for individuals and businesses to navigate and prepare for traumatic events.
Emma's talk was phenomenal. With nearly 100 attendees she managed to impact a diverse crowd of entrepreneurs and business professionals. Six months later attendees are still raving about her talk, and the impact of using Emma's tools in their lives and businesses!
Emily Breedlove, President, FemCity Asheville
Speaking Highlights and Topics
Practical Strategies: How businesses can prepare for and recover from catastrophic events.
Everyday Resilience: Steps anyone can take to better prepare for unexpected crises.
The Role of a Trauma Chaplain: Why spiritual support is critical in disaster response.
Behind the Book: Insights into "The Deep End of Hope” and a sneak peek at her next book, releasing in 2025.
Emma's talk was absolutely insightful and moving. We were brought to tears, inspired and motivated! I could not recommend her more highly.
Laine Sevante Wulkan, President, FemCity Albuquerque
Emma Churchman is a beacon of resilience and transformation. With over 25 years of experience as a spiritual and business leader, Emma has guided thousands through the labyrinth of trauma to reclaim hope and strength. Her powerful work as a trauma chaplain and mentor is rooted in her own journey of overcoming acute childhood adversity.
Her book, The Deep End of Hope in the Wake of Hurricane Helene, takes readers on an unforgettable journey of spiritual resilience during one of nature’s most catastrophic events, which Emma lived through. Emma is a sought-after speaker and coach, teaching trauma recovery techniques that empower individuals and organizations alike.
As a PhD candidate in Conscious Business Ethics, Emma bridges the gap between soulful leadership and practical strategies for navigating life's storms. From the picturesque mountain peaks of Gerton, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband Jeff and their dachshunds Winston and Leroy, Emma inspires people to find strength even in the darkest of times.
To inquire about Emma speaking to your community, organization, corporation, or at an event email: support@emmachurchman.com