About

Born and raised in Oregon, Amber currently lives on the Northern Oregon Coast. She enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchild. Quality family time is the cornerstone on which her life is built. In addition to spending time with her family, Amber enjoys hiking, going to the beach, traveling, crocheting, writing, and drawing. She is currently working on writing a series of children's books that teach mental health concepts and healthy coping skills. 

Amber values education and is always looking to expand her knowledge. She graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and earned a Master of Counseling degree from Oregon State University. Additionally, Amber has earned her certification from the American School Counselor Association as a Trauma and Crisis Response Specialist. Amber has also earned certification as an Autism Specialist through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. 

Working as a volunteer and Art Literacy teacher in her children's schools for many years, Amber was inspired to work within the school system to support and advocate for students to receive the help and support they needed to be successful within a system that can be challenging to navigate, especially for individuals who are neurodivergent. Amber has worked as an educational assistant, a special education instructional aide, and most recently as a school counselor for the alternative education campus for Astoria High School. Amber currently works as an interim school counselor for Seaside Middle School. Amber has also previously worked as a child and family clinician at Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare and remains an active on-call clinician for the CBH Mobile Crisis Team.

In addition, Amber is Co-Chair for the Resilient Clatsop County Healthcare Sector Workgroup, as well as a Co-Chair for the Clatsop County Domestic Violence Council. 

Amber's approach to counseling is an integrated and holistic one. Grounded in evidenced-based practices, such as Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, Psychoeducation, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theory, etc., Amber caters her approach to each individual and their needs. This allows for therapy to be person-centered, strengths-based, and culturally and identity affirming. Above all else, Amber believes in providing her clients and their families with unconditional positive regard. 

It is Amber's belief that everyone is capable of living their best life. All too often, circumstances and barriers can create emotional overwhelm and reduced resiliency. For individuals who have intellectual and/or developmental disorders, there are often additional barriers and obstacles they face, when compared to someone who may be viewed as "neurotypical." These challenges may feel insurmountable for individuals, as well as for those who love and support them.