As Chief of Staff and Strategy at DFI, Amy manages organizational priority-setting and monitoring, supports a values-centered team culture, and explores innovative initiatives and new partnerships. She also support governance and fundraising efforts, ensuring the organization advances its mission with clarity, capacity, and impact.
In previous roles, Amy has supported the implementation of effective observation and feedback structures for aspiring and early career teachers, led statewide policy revisions for educator preparation and licensure, and conducted human capital analyses in a large, public school district. Amy began her career as an elementary teacher in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
Outside of work, she loves traveling. The most interesting place she has visited was the former Soviet Union in 1989. The contrasts and comparisons across communities helped her develop a broader and more complex perspective of the world.
Describe a teacher or student who made a lasting impact in your life.
I had the privilege of taking a course with Professor Richard Elmore. Through his approach to teaching, he empowered students and challenged our minds by asking insightful, reflective questions. I always left his class continuing to think about the discussion - going over and revising my own arguments. He very much served as a facilitator of the learning and created a space where students did the challenging work of the learning - because we wanted to - not because we had to.
What were you like as a student?
As a student, I’ve always been deeply inquisitive, eager to ask questions and dig beneath the surface to truly understand a topic. I tend to be a rule-follower who takes guidelines seriously, wanting to get things “right.” At the same time, I’m no stranger to procrastination, often doing my best work under the pressure of a looming deadline.
As a fully remote organization, DFI team members work from home. Describe your dream home office/desk.
My dream home office desk is a height-adjustable setup with space for a walking pad, always paired with an endless cup of coffee and a rainbow of Paper Mate pens ready for use. Positioned by a window overlooking the ocean, it’s complete with the cozy company of one or two cats curled up at my feet.