Birmingham Mom Collective :: Introducing Emalee J.

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Birmingham

I grew up in Dothan, AL (yes, I do LOVE the Peanut Festival and still try to attend every year!), and graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Troy University. I spent several years after graduation working in ministry alongside my husband and moved from Alabama to Texas, back to Alabama, then to Georgia, then to St. Louis, and then back to Alabama (phew!).

After living in various cities big and small, I think Birmingham is the perfect size! It has all the amenities of a big city, but each area can still offer a small town feel. I’ve lived in Birmingham a total of five years (two years since our most recent move). Initially, I did not want to move back, because I had such a safe, loving community in St. Louis. However, we wanted to put some roots down and be closer to extended family, so we felt Birmingham would work well for our family long-term. I was worried about finding places where I “fit” and people I could be myself with. Slowly but surely, I am finding those places and those people, and I am excited to call Birmingham home for good. 

Mom

While in college, I met a Birmingham native, Andrew, and we have been married for 12 years. I’m mom to a couple of cute, kind, and hilarious children; Crosby is 10 and Eisley is seven. Our family also has an adorably-rambunctious goldendoodle pup, Lucky, who is 15 months old. Because my adult life has been filled with constant life transitions and moves, motherhood has also been a journey of twists and turns for me. I’ve been a SAHM, homeschool mom, and working mom at different stages. What I have loved about motherhood is how much my two little people have taught me about love and life. One struggle (there are many) I have had as a mom has been finding the balance of caring for my kids and caring for myself, since those needs can so easily feel at odds most of the time. 

Collective

While we lived in St. Louis, my husband and I both attended graduate school and got M.A. degrees in Counseling. That time period was particularly stressful; hello working full-time, going to school full-time, and parenting. Then, just for fun, let’s throw in a global pandemic! However, that season brought along the dearest friendships of my life. While I was learning how to walk with people through the grief and joy of their stories, I experienced that firsthand through my “collective”. I’ve also benefited from my own counseling and hope to share with you all some of what I’ve learned.

I am currently working as an Associate Licensed Counselor here in Birmingham. You can find me at Groundwork Counseling and Trinity Counseling throughout the week. I love my work, especially becasue it requires me to never stop learning and growing. Birmingham Mom Collective has been a valuable resource as I’ve been getting to know Birmingham. I am excited to be part of BMC’s effort to provide support and community for mothers across our city!