Hi, I’m Emma!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME…

Hi! I’m Emma Cartisano—a PhD student at Baylor University studying higher education and leadership. Before moving to Waco, I lived in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

I’m an Enneagram 3w2, so I wear a lot of hats.

My first love has always been, and will always be, Jesus. A close second is learning. I love learning about new things, especially when they relate to the brain. My love for learning is part of what led me to higher education, where I research all things teaching & learning so that I can better improve the student experience at Christian colleges. I’m a perfectionist, so I work really really hard at something—anything—until I am convinced that it meets my standards!

I’m also a world traveler.

In 2014, I spent a semester abroad in Lithuania at LCC International University and have since had a travel bug. To date, I have visited 18 countries and 27 US states. I’m always on the lookout for my next adventure!

Finally, I’m a friend.

I value all my people, and there is very little that will deter me from loving, supporting, and fighting for my friends in both their best and worst moments. I’m not perfect, and I know you’re not either. I hope that you’ll feel welcome in all your messy imperfections, too!

MY JOURNEY. . .

I attended Messiah College from 2011-2015, during which time I earned a degree in biopsychology (closely related to neuroscience) with a minor in math. Upon graduation, I secured a job at a prestigious research university with a neuroscience research group. I loved some parts of the job but ultimately experienced burnout and stepped away from academia for a year.

In that year, I did some major self-exploration. I lived in Romania for a few months serving with YWAM, I worked at Hobby Lobby as the frame shop manager (still the BEST job I’ve ever held), and I discovered higher education through some connections at Messiah. The rest, as they say, is history!

I graduated with a master’s degree in higher education and strategic leadership from Messiah University in May 2020 and promptly moved to Waco, Texas, where I am pursuing a PhD in higher education and leadership at Baylor University. Currently, I’m pursuing parallel passions of researching best practices in teaching and learning so I can influence policy and scholarship while also encouraging women to find wholeness—in Christ, in their work, and in their relationships.

Faith Integration

It’s no secret that my relationship with Jesus is central to all that I do.

I began sharing my faith on a public platform with my hand-lettering business in 2015. Hand-lettering was a way my heart could communicate with God when I ran out of words to say. It was fun to learn business skills while getting to know the hearts of my followers and friends.

I have since stepped aside from the business aspect of hand-lettering to focus more fully on this journey as a PhD student, though I still do occasional custom projects for friends and family.

My true passion is helping women find wholeness and redemption in their stories. We all come from a broken past, and it is my aim to help you grow in and through your struggles, much like how God has helped me heal.

My goal is to blend my research in teaching and learning with faith-based practices so that you can better find the wholeness you crave. Stay tuned!

We are not meant to walk this journey alone, and I am honored that you have chosen to let me accompany you.

I hope you’ll stick around!

FUN FACTS

• I have yet to find a craft that scares me off!

• I ran a half marathon in Oct 2016 and I’m training for the Baylor Bearathon this Spring!

• I have been to 18 countries, including Romania, where I did mission work with YWAM. I don’t have a favorite. Every culture and country is beautiful in its own unique way!

• As an enneagram 3w2, I never stop creating, dreaming, making to-do lists, or learning new things. I’m a bit of an ennea-nerd.

• Also I love people. And coffee (with LOTS of almond milk and flavor swirls). And coffee dates. 

• I will never turn down a coffee date!