Emily Downing-Moore grew up in Salem and received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing in Portland. She received her master’s degree from the University of Texas-El Paso in 2000. Between 2000 and 2002 Emily worked as a nurse midwife in El Paso, Texas, and in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Before joining PeaceHealth Medical Group in 2005 she worked for Midelfort Clinic/Mayo Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Emily enjoys travel, going out to see local music and outdoor activities.