Meet Amy

I started my career as a school counselor at Key Middle School, in Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia where I had the privilege of working with middle schoolers who shaped me in ways I never expected. They taught me about resilience, curiosity, and the power of showing up for one another. Those years prepared me for just about everything, and the work we did together left an imprint on my heart.

During my time there, I was honored to receive accolades like Support Employee of the Year and Leader of the Year, but the real rewards came from watching students find their voices and use them. I’ll never forget leading a group of student activists advocating for gun safety and even taking their efforts to a meeting with Senator Kaine. It was a testament to the power of young people and what happens when they’re given the space to lead.

I also facilitated spaces for equity and self-discovery, where students could explore their identities and confront systemic oppression. But the truth is, while I was creating spaces for them to grow, they were doing the same for me. Supporting queer students as they navigated religious indoctrination and their own identities made me confront the weight of my own evangelical upbringing. Their bravery and authenticity pushed me to deconstruct those beliefs and build a more affirming, inclusive framework—not just for them, but for myself (and wow, I had a lot to learn about myself and the world).

Middle schoolers don’t just teach you how to guide; they teach you how to listen, how to not take things personally, how to be silly, how to evolve, and how to keep showing up as a fuller version of yourself. Being a school counselor wasn’t just a job—it was a deeply personal journey that transformed me and continues to inspire my work. The lessons I learned in those halls still fuel my commitment to advocacy and creating meaningful, transformative change, one connection at a time.