Em Walden
Em Walden
Class Year
’19
Current home
Madison, Wisconsin
Major(s)
Social Work
Current Position
Owner of and Psychotherapist at Branch & Bloom Therapy, LLC
Driven by the passion of helping others, Em Walden ’19 graduated from Carthage with a degree in social work and went on to open their own therapy business. Now the owner of and a psychotherapist at Branch and Bloom Therapy, Mx. Walden specializes in working with queer, polyamorous, and neurodivergent patients to strengthen their sense of themselves, work through past traumatic experiences, and bolster practicing their values.
Mx. Walden keeps in touch with Carthage by staying connected with classmates and cheering on the team at meets. Additionally, they participated in the College’s Mentoring Program, in which they assisted a social work student in navigating their experiences at Carthage. They also give gifts during to further support students at Carthage. “I continue to stay involved with Carthage because it was where I began to discover myself,” Em says.
Check out Mx. Walden’s website:
What have you enjoyed most about your career?
“What I enjoy most about my career is meeting with people and developing strong relationships built on trust and safety. Connection is crucial in life, and connecting with people when they need support is deeply fulfilling for me.”
How has your liberal arts education benefited you?
“The skills I gained from my Carthage experience have helped me think more critically in my life. Having a liberal arts education meant I was able to engage in multifaceted discussions in classrooms with small class sizes, participate in hands-on experiences through internships, and build a cohort of classmates I trusted and grew with.”
Why did you choose Carthage?
“I chose Carthage because I wanted to go to a school where I felt a sense of community. I was involved in , had an on-campus job, and took my academics seriously. I enjoyed being involved in multiple ways in the Carthage community.”
What opportunities were made possible because of your Carthage experience?
“Due to my experience at Carthage and the support of my professors, I gained admission to the UW-Madison School of Social Work graduate program. It was beneficial that Carthage is an accredited school for social work, as I had already completed my first year of graduate school and only had one year left to finish after graduating with my undergraduate degree.”
What Carthage professors played a part in your success and how?
“The professors I had at Carthage were wonderful at teaching and supporting me — especially Professor Dani Geary. I took multiple classes with her, and she helped me figure out my four-year plan during my freshman year. She taught me critical thinking skills and how to imagine scenarios from a different lens. My favorite class of hers was Gendering Leadership. I appreciated taking courses that explored the intersections of various topics, which have been impactful in my life and career.”
What role have the values in Carthage's mission, "Seeking Truth, Building Strength, Inspiring Service — Together" played in your life?
“Carthage’s mission resonates with me because those values were strengthened in me during my time at Carthage and in the years that followed. Carthage allowed me to discover what my truths were and who I am. I built strength intellectually through classes, physically through sports, and emotionally through interactions with peers and faculty. In my internship experiences, I offered my services to local agencies to inspire change.”
What's your favorite Carthage memory?
“Some of my favorite memories are from being on the and teams. It was great to experience the student-athlete life and its values alongside so many teammates. was a wonderful mentor who ensured we felt supported, created an excellent space for the team, and was highly motivating.”
Tips for current Carthage students?
“Get involved in organizations, sports, or activities around campus!”