Emergent Studies Institute prides itself on assisting students plan their schedule based on their life’s needs. There are many reasons why someone might take one of our courses. Here are just a few of the reasons that someone might take a course or certificate from ESI:

• Spiritual Growth
• Academic Development
• Professional Development
• Personal Enrichment
• Team Building
• Creativity and Innovation

No matter the reason, Emergent Studies Institute is here to talk with you about your future and gear your coursework to your needs. Even our classes can be fluid, changing slightly based on the students signed up to take them. Because we use Emergent Curriculum, our courses allow teachers as well as students to excel at what they are best at and learn at the pace that is most comfortable and appropriate.

When you are ready to contact us about your interest in the institution or need assistance with next steps, we are here to help. Contact us, and a Team rep will assist you as soon as possible. Please read the section below to meet our Emergent Education Team.

Meet our Emergent Education Team

Amber Balk, Ph.D.

Enrollment Counselor and Faculty 

Amber holds a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology and a M.A. in Women’s Spirituality from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. This unique combination imparted a sense of rootedness in the world as an agent of social change and a questioner of consensus consciousness. Amber holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Central Oklahoma, which provided a background in conventional psychology and research. This served as a solid foundation from which to expand in innovative ways. She additionally minored in Creative Writing.

Amber is the developer of a research methodology– Integrative Holotropic Community Action Research. This is an emergent research approach that emphasizes mutual reciprocity, relational accountability, navigating micro/macro-cosm layers, and community outreach.

Message from Amber:

“I specialize in applying transpersonal theory to settings conducive to individual and communal transformation. My interests include synchronicity, expanded states of consciousness, dreamwork, birth and death, Grofian theory, and radical feminism which seeks to raise awareness in all forms of oppression. I am a mother, transpersonal educator, speaker, researcher, creative consultant, writer, and activist. Dedicated to movement towards wholeness in all endeavors, I consider it a sacred honor and responsibility to serve as an Emergent Education Team Leader at ESI.

I have over a decade of experience mentoring students. It has been a great pleasure to assist and companion students as they navigate academic journeys. I love deeply listening to students to help discern the path most in alignment with where they are and where they’d like to get to. The best part of enrollment counseling is making soulful connections. At ESI, I act as both faculty and enrollment counselor. I look forward to connecting and companioning you as your journey with ESI unfolds.”