About Us

Emerge is a team dedicated to investing in our area's youth. We wish to enrich our community by providing our community members a safe space to pursue their intellectual and artistic endeavors. Find your creative adventure. 

Meet the Team

Rachel Ellis

Rachel has worked in multiple educational venues in Marion County for the last 9 years, including as adjunct Journalism professor at Fairmont State University. Currently, she teaches theater part time at Fairmont Catholic school. Rachel is a professional costume designer and seamstress who loves coming up with fun and creative ways to express herself! She owns History in Skirts--a educational company providing living history experiences with women in history to local businesses and schools. Rachel will be working our evening events, lead book club and art club, coordinate trivia nights, and teach creative classes! 

Michael Ellis 

Michael has done a little bit of everything around town--he's a drummer, a 3D printer, a storyteller, a game nerd, and an all around fix-it guy. He also was a manager for The Ranch Quick Lube in Morgantown for 7.5 years, and is an expert at oil changes. Michael has experience working with teen facilities and has a love for helping teens flourish. He's also our certified nerd--Star Wars, Marvel, DC, etc---he's willing to talk about it. Michael will be leading our 3D printing club and also teaching life skills classes. 

Amanda Dudash

If you’ve been in Emerge lately, you may have seen this lady hanging out! Amanda is our newest addition to the Emerge team, and she brings a creative spirit and an organizing genius, along with a smile that will make your day better.
She loves painting watercolor story maps and thrifting treasures, and soon she will be brewing up some special caffeine for your mornings at Emerge!