Emily-RatliffEmily Ratliff

Claire’s Mom, Executive Director

Emily grew up in Charlotte and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill after obtaining a Bachelors Degree in Sociology and French. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Denver, CO where she worked in the financial services industry. She returned to Charlotte for a role in sales before joining the Childress Klein YMCA as the Senior Member Experience Director in 2007. Her staff team and Y members encouraged, supported, and loved the entire Ratliff family during Claire’s treatment, after her passing, and still to this day. In June of 2013 Emily made a career change and became a CNA with Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital – on the same floor where Claire was treated. In August of 2018, Emily made the transition to full-time Executive Director of Claire’s Army.

She loves caring for patients, families and the staff who love and work so hard to care for others. Emily is passionate about giving families as much time with their sick child as possible. During Claire’s treatment, her friends, co-workers, and community rallied around their family so Emily rarely had to leave Claire’s side. She sees the work of Claire’s Army directly impact families and cannot begin to explain the joy and relief that our services provide. Every time Claire’s Army delivers a meal, pays a bill, or hosts a fundraising event, she sees Claire in every moment. Claire’s focus was always on everyone else being OK and Emily wants to deliver on this – for as long as she possibly can.

Emily and Kevin have two children – Sydney (8) and Walker (5) but will forever be a family of five.  

SERVE FAMILIES. LOVE KIDS. FIGHT CANCER.