Every weekday morning at Ardmore High School, students file into an art room that feels more like a studio than a classroom, a place where creativity is encouraged, and confidence is carefully cultivated. At the center of it all is art teacher and girls soccer coach, Alyssa Emery, who has been shaping young artists and athletes there since 2022.
Alyssa teaches ninth through twelfth grade art, guiding students as they experiment with new mediums, challenge themselves, and discover that their ideas matter. She also leads the high school girls’ soccer team, using the field as an extension of the classroom, another space where teamwork, resilience, and character take root.
“I have known I wanted to work with kids since I was a freshman in high school.”
Her original plan was to serve in youth and kids ministry, but when the opportunity to teach and coach at Ardmore opened, it felt like the perfect fit. She still pours into students spiritually and emotionally, just in a way that looks different than the younger version of herself imagined.
“I still get to do ‘youth ministry,’ just in a way that looks different than what I had thought it would.”
Alyssa’s journey as an educator is deeply shaped by the teachers who poured into her: Mrs. Murphy, who loved her like family; Mrs. Barker, who nurtured her creativity and love of writing; Mr. O, her elementary art teacher who encouraged her to keep making art; and Mrs. Plines, her high school art teacher who remains in her corner, cheering her on as both artist and educator.
“Everyone has the desire to be seen, heard, loved, and known deeply. Be intentional every day with each student!”
That advice echoes in the way she runs her classroom and coaches her team. She strives to remind students of their true identity, that they are talented, smart, and deeply loved, and finds joy in watching them gain confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Outside of school, Alyssa is most at home outdoors or with the people she loves. She enjoys time with her family and boyfriend Ryan, as well as playing pickleball, hiking, camping, kayaking, and climbing, and any excuse to get outside and recharge.
“I wake up every day so grateful and full of excitement to come to work. This isn’t just a job, but a calling to help build up the next generation and remind them of who they are.”
