Staff Highlight: Dr. Emily Pluhar

Meet Emily Pluhar, PhD, a sport psychologist at The Micheli Center and Boston Children’s Hospital who brings her passion for adolescent wellness and love for athletics into everything she does. A lifelong tennis fan and active athlete herself, Dr. Pluhar is driven by a desire to help others thrive both on and off the field.

Hometown: I live in Brookline, MA and was born in New York City so I still consider that my hometown as well 😊!

Alma maters: Middlebury College, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology

Favorite sport to watch: TENNIS! I watch it any chance I can get. I love Serena Williams (retired), Coco Gauff, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal (retired), Jannik Sinner, and Carlos Alcaraz. I love to watch almost any sport so too many to list. 

Favorite place you’ve traveled to: Sardinia, Italy

What drew you to The Micheli Center/Boston Children’s Hospital: I wanted to help people in a meaningful way.

How did you develop an interest in sport psychology: I have always been deeply interested in adolescent health and wellness. Combining this passion with my family's shared enthusiasm for athletics—both as participants and spectators—allowed me to pursue a career that unites two areas I care about deeply.

What are small changes people could make that would have a large impact in their overall health: SLEEP! Focusing on sleep quality in addition to sleep quantity can make a huge impact on overall health, sport performance, and injury recovery.

What is your preferred method of exercise, either a certain activity or specific regimen: I play tennis as often as a I can. I am someone who needs to work out most days which can include tennis, Peloton, strength training, yoga, Pilates, skiing, and most recently I have added padel and golf. 

Favorite motivational/inspirational quote: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” -Martin Luther King Jr.

Favorite pizza topping: Cheese! Lots of it!