Emma Early, LCSW, is an Instructor of Social Work at Colorado Mesa University. As a social work educator, she is passionate about creating learning environments where students feel supported, challenged and connected to the profession they are preparing to enter. She views students as future colleagues and believes that some of the most meaningful learning happens when they learn with one another.
Her journey at Colorado Mesa University began in 2024 as a TRIO Advisor, where she supported students with academic advising, financial aid, registration and navigating the university experience. She later served as a Clinical Supervisor for Master of Social Work students and began teaching as an adjunct faculty member. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to social work education and to supporting students as they develop both professional knowledge and confidence in their practice.
Early earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University in 2013 and her Master of Social Work in 2014. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado.
Prior to joining the faculty at CMU, Early worked as a social worker at HopeWest Hospice, supporting patients and families through terminal illness, anticipatory grief and end-of-life care while connecting individuals and families with community resources. She also provided education and professional support to the hospice social work team and served as a site supervisor for social work students completing their internships. Her professional experience also includes providing therapy within residential youth services, working with children and families across home and school environments and providing case management to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. In addition to her work at CMU, she maintains a private practice focused on clinical supervision and professional support for social workers pursuing Colorado licensure.
Teaching Philosophy
Early's approach to teaching is highly interactive and student-centered. Rather than viewing the classroom as a place where knowledge is simply delivered, she sees it as a space where students actively practice, question, reflect, collaborate and apply what they are learning. She incorporates discussion, experiential activities, case studies, role-play, skill practice, reflection and peer learning to help students connect social work concepts that they will experience in their careers.
She also believes that learning is reciprocal; while Early brings professional and clinical experience to the classroom, students bring their own perspectives, experiences, curiosity and knowledge that enrich their collective learning.
Beyond the Classroom
Early is a lifelong resident of Grand Junction and am grateful to teach and practice social work in the community where she was raised. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking, skiing, traveling, cooking, crafting, watching movies, attending CMU sporting events and anything Disney. She also enjoy indoor cycling, Dungeons & Dragons, and the occasional family dance party.
She looks forward to learning alongside the students and helping prepare the next generation of social workers to enter this important and meaningful profession.