Emily Harber (Dr. Em) Williams, Ph.D
Emily Harber Williams, Ph.D., known as Dr. Em, has dedicated over 24 years to education, with more than eight years as a founder and executive leader. She is the Founder, President, and Executive Director of Micah’s Mission School, Inc., a hybrid learning and resource center she established in 2017 to serve neurodivergent and at-risk students. Her approach prioritizes relationship-building and trauma-informed practices, focusing on behavioral regulation and social skills before academics to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
Throughout her career, Emily has developed signature programs such as a trauma-informed yoga initiative to support emotional regulation and a student-led podcast addressing teenage challenges and real-life issues. Her innovative hybrid learning model combines academics, life skills, and emotional development, reflecting her commitment to holistic student growth. Recognized as Nexstar’s Remarkable Woman of 2025 in Central Mississippi, she also serves on the Mississippi Department of Education’s Transition Task Force and participates in educator impact-measuring cohorts.
Emily’s vision for the future includes expanding Micah’s Mission Learning & Resource Center to serve students from ages 3 through 12th grade, developing pre-work and social skills programming for students with cognitive delays, and establishing a special needs congregation and parent support group. She is also in the process of publishing her first book, a personal narrative about stepping outside comfort zones and answering the call to lead, further demonstrating her dedication to education, leadership, and faith-based initiatives.
• SmartCoach Certification
• Southern Methodist University- M.Div.
• Walden University- Ph.D.
• Walden University- Master's
• Universtiy of Southern Mississippi- Master's
• Delta State University- Bachelor's
• Holmes Community College- A.A.
• Nexstar’s Remarkable Woman of 2025
• Mississippi Department of Education’s Transition Task Force
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, obedience to my calling, and a deep commitment to building meaningful relationships, believing that students thrive when they are emotionally and socially supported before academics.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be all in—when you fully commit to your purpose and surround yourself with people who believe in the mission, the path becomes clearer, even when it’s uncomfortable.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to build meaningful relationships first, establish clear boundaries and non-negotiables, and surround yourself with people who truly understand and support your vision—don’t be afraid to lead differently if it benefits your students.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is addressing students’ behavioral, emotional, and social needs before academics in systems not designed for it, while the greatest opportunity lies in implementing innovative models like hybrid learning and trauma-informed approaches that meet students where they are.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are faith, integrity, compassion, consistency, and service, and I prioritize creating safe, structured environments where students and others can thrive without fear or judgment; in my personal time, I enjoy running and practicing yoga.