Emily Ann
Forest Therapy Guide • Educator • Founder of Shawnee Goddess
I am Emily Ann, a certified Forest Therapy Guide, educator, and founder of Shawnee Goddess. I specialize in nature-based programming, including guided forest walks, retreats, and wellness experiences that foster personal growth and community connection.
With a background in environmental education, adaptive recreation, and community engagement, I bring both academic training and hands-on experience to this practice. I hold certifications as a Forest Therapy Guide, Interpretive Guide, Yoga Instructor, Reiki Practitioner, Wilderness First Responder, and Master Naturalist, along with degrees in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management.
Grounded in Southern Illinois, I am dedicated to helping individuals and groups cultivate meaningful connections with the outdoors while building balance and well-being in their lives.
The Story Behind the Name: Who is Shawnee Goddess?
Shawnee Goddess is more than a name, it’s a story of transformation, empowerment, and purpose.
For me, it all began with a simple walk, a suggestion to help ease my depression and anxiety. At first, it was the short driveway outside my home, then the local park. Soon, I ventured further out to the lake, nearby state parks, and eventually to the Shawnee National Forest.
Walking in nature became a lifeline, a place where the weight of depression lifted, and anxiety was replaced by the grounding presence of trees, the beauty of flowers, and the gentle rhythms of wildlife. Over time, these walks became more than moments of peace. They became my lifestyle, and the forest revealed a path to my life’s purpose.
In 2017, I began leading all-female hikes and working as an ambassador for women-owned hiking groups, businesses, and companies. Around the same time, a spark of inspiration came while watching Parks and Recreation, where Leslie Knope took a troop of strong, adventurous women on a weekend endeavor—they called themselves the Pawnee Goddesses. I highly recommend watching the show!!
It felt serendipitous. The Shawnee National Forest, the place where I found my strength, my passion, and the woman I was always meant to be, gave rise to Shawnee Goddess. This name became my Instagram persona, then my calling, and now my brand.
Shawnee Goddess represents everything I once lacked as a young girl who felt lost, confidence, connection, and self-worth. It is also my way of honoring the Shawnee tribes, who have a deep historical relationship with the land that has so profoundly shaped my journey.
Shawnee Goddess is a testament to the healing power of nature, the beauty of personal growth, and the infinite potential within us all. It’s a reminder that we can overcome darkness and find light, strength, and purpose among the trees.
