Testimonials

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of teaching children and adults, supporting families, working alongside educators and professionals, and creating learning and wellness experiences that meet people where they are.

Here are a few words from people I've had the opportunity to work with, teach, and support.

Dana G.

Former yoga & fitness student

Sky Yoga Studio is the BEST! Emily has tailored the Power Yoga class to include the typical yoga poses with moves that build up arm, core and leg strength. My 53-year-old body has really benefited from Emily's instruction. My other favorite are the Zumba classes run by Emily. Zumba is a fun way to get aerobic exercise combined with some SEXY dance moves. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Karen M.

Former Thai bodywork client

I went to Sky Yoga for Thai Bodywork (massage) and loved it! Emily is so friendly and she makes an already pleasurable experience even better. The massage was great. I left feeling so flexible and relaxed afterward I can't wait to schedule another appointment!

Matt Bruback

Co-Founder of Compassionate Business Networking (CBN) · Sales Executive at Permalights Reno

Emily is always working to improve themself and others. With their support we have helped over 10,000 children with special needs and we will forever be grateful to them for sharing their Love and Light.

Jennifer Hobbs

Operations Manager at Grassi Retina MD SC · Former student

Emily's knowledge and commitment to their students and their craft help them create meaningful experiences in the studio. Their classes are challenging, fun, and they do an excellent job tailoring instruction to students. Emily is extremely attentive, and as a student, I feel like they truly desires to see us grow in our practice. Their expertise in many areas is greatly appreciated and gives them the ability to holistically approach the needs of their students.

Diane Vargo, MBA

Program & Project Manager · Former client

Emily seemed to be very thorough in explaining what we should be doing to get into certain poses physically and maintained the pose for an adequate number of breaths (5 or more). Emily's warm personality and generous spirit make them a valuable yoga instructor. Emily was very knowledgeable and patient in classes. They worked well with each individual that attended the yoga classes. Individuals were primarily adults, but on occasion young children would attend with their mothers. They continued to maintain the engagement of the class while being sensitive and incorporating the needs of the child into the yoga session.

Faith King

Montessori teacher · Professional colleague

I am a Montessori teacher in Connecticut. I visited Olive Branch this winter while in town. The school is beautiful and full of many opportunities for the young child to grow and learn. Emily is always looking for ways to better support the child's development and learning. They have built an indoor gym area to further support the child's developmental need for movement. They shared with me materials for music and for social skills. They look at each child's needs individually and the classroom as a whole and create opportunities for growth and learning.

Camille Holladay

Parent

Our son started at Olive Branch School (OBS) just after turning three and will attend until he goes to kindergarten in the Fall. We have had a great experience at OBS! The kindness and patience of the staff is amazing. Teacher Emily is an expert in child development and education through the Montessori method, recognizing individual strengths of each child. The staff takes great care to prepare and regularly rotate activities designed for different aspects of development. Their home is a safe environment with an outdoor space and conveniently located near two parks.

We have seen so much growth in our son since he joined the OBS community. He had a speech delay and Teacher Emily worked closely with Multnomah Early Childhood Program for services. Not only is his speech improved, but he is more independent and has made friends. We are confident he is ready for kindergarten and are so glad OBS has been part of our village!

Jaq Law

Parent

Olive Branch is awesome! Our kid loves going every day. Emily has been so caring and helpful in assisting our very attached, sensory sensitive kid acclimate to school life. We love seeing the bond that our kid has with the staff, and it's comforting to know that she feels safe at school. We also love that our child is being treated the same way we parent at home, i.e. with emotional validation, respect for bodily autonomy, no rewards/punishments, but also with kind, firm boundaries and appropriate expectations. She has blossomed so much because of her experience at Olive Branch. Highly recommend this lovely school.

Zsuzsanna Mangu

Parent

We are so fortunate to have our son in this unique school. He loves going every day and misses it whenever there is a holiday. I'm so impressed with the teachers' knowledge of child development and the fantastic learning materials they provide. They are attentive, caring and loving toward the children. Students spend time outside, work on projects, plant vegetables, play in a playgym, bake and cook food; it is truly an amazing environment for children to learn and grow.

Heidi Dolan

Parent

We love this school. My child feels safe and loved all day while still being pushed to learn and discover. My son has been going for 2 years and we have every intention to keep going till he’s ready for kindergarten. Special school run by special people. So lucky to have discovered Olive Branch.

Kelly Rogers Warner

Parent

We love Olive Branch!! Teacher Emily creates an enchanting and enriching environment for kids to feel comfortable and thrive. Our son loves his time at school so much he asks if he can go on the weekend! He is learning, exploring, developing friendships, and having fun. We feel lucky to be part of this community.

Sarah Loepker

Parent

Our son has been attending Olive Branch for a month and we are very happy with the school. The environment is lovely and Emily is a great teacher. I highly recommend Olive Branch to other families.

Adam Cook

Parent

My four-year-old, Elias, absolutely adores Olive Branch! Every morning he is a fountain of enthusiasm, wanting to get to school as quickly as possible. Our house is adorned with all the crafts and projects he brings home, with stories about his classmates and friendships. I can't say enough about the engagement; the sheer volume of experience sharing via email and Facebook, with pictures and videos, is really a rewarding peek into the day-to-day life of my child when he's not at home. Can't recommend enough.

Katie C.

Former prenatal yoga student

Loved, loved, loved Emily's prenatal classes! I started attending about halfway through my pregnancy and it was great to have time out each week to relax, stay fit and flexible, and be around other moms or moms-to-be. Emily has a great way of creating a relaxing atmosphere where you can focus on your baby and your upcoming birth.

I really wanted a natural birth and even though I read several books to prepare me for labor, I truly believe that without Emily's class I would not have been able to successfully have the natural hospital birth I did with my son. Emily was also amazing at teaching me how to ease specific areas of discomfort caused by pregnancy through yoga.

Jennifer D.

Former yoga student

Prenatal yoga classes at Sky Yoga Studio are amazing for endurance and strength and help make for a happier, healthier pregnancy. I would recommend to anyone of my pregnant friends—in fact, I have!—and I will continue to take classes with Emily even postpartum.

Andrea K.

Former yoga student · Runner

Power Yoga at Sky Yoga is great! I've been in the class for several years and I find it to be a great workout. I'm a runner and the strength and stretching we do in class is invaluable to me on my runs. Emily makes sure that all abilities are welcome in class. Everyone gets in a good workout!

K S.

Former yoga & fitness student

My first attempt at yoga was with Emily and they made it so enjoyable. I love their classes so much I talked coworkers into a Zumba class and, needless to say, we LOVE it. Don't worry if you think you can't do something; Emily is excellent at giving you alternatives. I'm so glad to have found Emily and Sky Yoga.

Ann Marie G.

Former prenatal yoga student

I love this studio! I have been taking the Prenatal Yoga class for the past five months every week. The instructor Emily just birthed recently so they knows exactly how you feel during your pregnancy and can relate on many levels. They are a very educated Doula and stays abreast on current pregnancy issues.

I have learned so much during their classes and look forward to bouncing topics off them weekly. I'm never afraid to try the gentle yoga positions proposed either. They truly knows what is safe and what is not during pregnancy. If you are looking for a safe and fun Prenatal Yoga class in a comfortable facility, this is the place for you!

Benjamin R.

Parent

Emily is extremely nurturing, respectful, and kind to children and parents alike. Under their guidance, my son has developed autonomy and confidence....Often, simply observing the way they talk to the kids has set me up for success when I encounter difficulties, for example: tantrums, disagreements, or large unexpected quantities of excrement. I am grateful for their advice and example.

Stephanie D.

Former yoga student

I started coming to Sky Yoga Studio for Prenatal Yoga classes and immediately fell in love with everything—the space, the people, the yoga, the owner and instructor, Emily. I was hooked. I've taken Prenatal/Postnatal classes, Belly Dancing, Blissful Babies, and Restorative Yoga, and now several of my family members are hooked on Power Yoga and Zumba. My sister says her Power Yoga will kick your ass! Best yoga studio in Naperville .

These recommendations span more than 2 decades of teaching, wellness, education, and work with children, families, and fellow professionals.