Amber knew that she wanted to become a social worker from an early age. In elementary school, her family was supported by a social worker while she was a patient at Shriners Children’s Hospital. The social worker had a positive impact on her family during difficult times. While in the hospital, Amber also had many wonderful providers, which inspired her initial interest in social work. After graduating high school, Amber worked in various childcare and nonprofit settings, which solidified her choice to become a clinical social worker. 

Amber obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Children, Youth, and Family Studies from Portland State University where she also later earned a Masters of Social Work with a focus on medical and clinical social work within integrated behavioral health. She completed her graduate internships at Play Connections Autism Center and her advanced placements at The Children’s Clinic and Randall Children’s Hospital. Before joining PANW, Amber provided community mental health within elementary schools to support children with behavioral challenges and the impacts of childhood trauma. 

Her special interests and training are in supporting families with IEP and 504 support, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), CBT, Collaborative Problem Solving, and helping children and youth manage anxiety and major life changes. Amber practices in our Portland office.