Michelle’s life experiences of growing up in a home with foster siblings and an adopted sister motivated her to learn more about the impact of early abuse and neglect. Her studies in human development and Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and her experience as a parenting coach, provide her with the foundation of her understanding of mental health needs in youth and the support families need in their journey. During her off time you can find her on a river paddleboard in summer or downhill skiing in winter.

Amy, a mom of 8 and a native Oregonian, considers beautiful Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho her home. That is where she spent most of her adult life and married her sweetheart. They became foster parents, and added 5 children to their family through adoption.  Along with childhood trauma, collectively her children have a variety of severe emotional disturbances, developmental, and neurological disorders. This has brought a lifetime opportunity for learning and growth, and has strengthened her compassion and empathy that fuels her passion to serve others. After relocating  four years ago, and working to rebuild a new support system for her family, she became involved with the Idaho Parent Network, Region 7’s Behavioral Health Board and CMH Subcommittee, serving on various prevention workgroups. She reviews documentation for YES, provides parent voice and feedback to the State, has been a resource for the DHW and Optum for presentations, interviews, and training videos, and now is a part of the IGT-Family Engagement Committee. Amy serves as Chair of the Citizen Review Panel, which reviews open CPS cases in Eastern Idaho and participates on the statewide leadership team. She enjoys being a part of the Community Suicide Prevention Board and is the Executive Board Secretary of Community Youth in Action. Amy loves babies, singing, musical theater, reading, traveling, watching movies, and cuddling.