Supporting CHD Families Through Connection: Meet Emma Hofmeister, Onboarding Specialist for The Co-op @ HeartWorks
At HeartWorks, every team member plays a vital role in supporting families impacted by congenital heart disease (CHD) and Emma Hofmeister is no exception. As our Onboarding Specialist for The Co-op @ HeartWorks, Emma is often one of the first friendly voices that CHD families connect with when exploring our resources, enrolling in clinical trials, or seeking community support.
From St. Paul to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Emma’s Journey Into CHD Research
Originally from a Mexican household in St. Paul, Minnesota, Emma is the oldest of two and credits her family with instilling a deep commitment to both education and personal values. She was the first in her family to attend the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, earning her degree in Biology with a pre-medical background. It was during this time that she met her husband, who is now also her colleague at HeartWorks. Together, they share their home (and hearts!) with their beloved bunny, Bubbas.
Emma began her journey at HeartWorks as a Laboratory Technician, where she gained a strong foundation in the research that drives advancements in single ventricle CHD and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) treatment. This hands-on experience deepened her understanding of the urgent need for better therapies and improved outcomes for the children and adults living with these rare heart conditions.
Connecting CHD Families With Resources and Clinical Trials Through The Co-op @ HeartWorks
Her passion for supporting heart families soon led her to transition into her current role as an Onboarding Specialist for The Co-op @ HeartWorks — an innovative program designed to connect families with resources, clinical trial opportunities, and a supportive CHD community. For the past year and a half, Emma has been a driving force behind the success of this program.
A typical day for Emma is anything but typical. As she puts it, her team is “engaged in several missions.” From hosting webinars and attending community events to sharing updates about CHD clinical trials, Emma helps families navigate what can often feel like an overwhelming journey.
When she’s not on the go, she focuses on behind-the-scenes work, meticulously tracking records, ensuring families receive accurate information about single ventricle CHD studies, and helping participants complete every step of the enrollment process. Emma also answers questions from parents and caregivers, offering guidance and clarity as they navigate our resources.
For Emma, the most rewarding part of her role is the conversations she shares with CHD families. Their strength, hope, and perseverance inspire her daily and fuel HeartWorks’ mission to advance research and improve outcomes for children and adults living with congenital heart defects.
“The trust and hope families place in us drives everything we do,” Emma says. “Every conversation reminds me why this work matters.”
Expanding The Co-op @ HeartWorks: Upcoming CHD Resources and Continued Growth
Emma is excited about the continued growth of The Co-op @ HeartWorks. From expanding educational resources to improving family support services, the program is evolving to meet the needs of those impacted by CHD, HLHS, and other complex single ventricle conditions. An upcoming advancement that Emma has been involved in is the second issue of The Co-op Journal, which highlights CHD research updates, treatment innovations, and stories of resilience from our community.
Her goal is simple: to ensure every family benefits fully from the program while feeling supported, informed, and connected to the larger CHD community. Through her passion and dedication, Emma is helping HeartWorks strengthen its mission and make a lasting difference in the lives of families navigating congenital heart disease.
