The past few weeks, I’ve offered some resources to navigate uncertainty. So many of you have reached out with appreciation for tools and resources. This past week, we upleveled, and I was joined by my colleague, Dr. Amber Nelson, to talk with a large healthcare organization about messaging for parents of children who fear separation due to immigration status, and how to navigate, support, balance advocacy with safety, and respond to the ever-changing landscape of what helpers and healers are facing. If this is what your organization needs right now, reach out today! 

To be honest, I feel like I’m chasing chaos, trying to put out fires. I’m trying to keep my friends and colleagues from drowning with the level of support that’s needed. I’m supporting the helpers who help children and families. I’m offering guidance to organizations who support healthcare workers. I’m trusted with messaging for leaders at child & family-facing organizations. I’m holding space for colleagues who’ve done the work of advocacy for far too long, especially my colleagues of color and my friends who represent marginalized voices. 

I will not be tired right now. I will not be exhausted or overwhelmed. And I say I, not we, because some of my friends have been fighting and exhausted for so long. People dying in the streets who are powerless? Worry about immigration? Forced separation? Continued victimization of victims of sexual assault? Skirting comments of overt racism? These are NOT new issues. They are recurrent. They reach the spotlight when more people of privilege are affected by the results of the cruelest forms of de-humanization. But they are not new. 

What else can I do right now for your organization? I have a team of brilliant, trauma-responsive, diverse consultants who are ready to help! Here are a few ideas: 

If your team is overwhelmed, let us help you create breathing room—fast. We support helpers who are carrying too much by building support structures that reduce burnout and stabilize the work. 

• Overwhelm triage session (90 minutes): identify what’s hurting in your organization, what can shift now, and what needs a longer plan 
• On-call advisory during peak stress seasons: short, check-ins to keep teams from sliding into crisis mode 
• Leadership support plan: make sure managers have clear messaging about balancing support and safety. 

If your staff serves children and families, we can support your helpers, healers & staff. We bring trauma-aware, human-centered support to the people who hold hard stories every day—so they can stay grounded, effective, and emotionally resourced. 

• Facilitated staff support circles: structured, confidential “holding space” sessions (one-time or ongoing) 
• Secondary trauma / compassion fatigue support: practical strategies + team agreements to reduce harm and isolation 
• Culture of care workshops: norms, language, and practices that build resilience 
• Post-incident processing support: when something heavy happens (loss, critical event, community trauma) 
• Supervisor coaching: help managers support staff without becoming the only container 

If your organization supports healthcare workers, we can help you design support that actually lands. 

• Burnout-aware communications: messaging that doesn’t shame people for being tired or ask them to do more to get help 
• Leader briefing + talking points: help leaders communicate with credibility in high-stress environments 

If your leaders need to communicate with care and clarity, we can help you say the meaningful messages and try to avoid causing harm. We support leadership messaging in moments that require emotional intelligence, trust-building, and precision. 

• Leader messaging support (speech/email/town hall): drafting and refining language for trust, tone, and impact 
• Crisis or sensitive-moment messaging: when stakes are high (policy changes, community grief, incidents, backlash) 
• Values-to-voice alignment: ensuring messaging matches what staff and families experience day-to-day

If your team supports children, families, or healthcare workers—and your staff is stretched thin—we can help. We offer supportive facilitation, leadership messaging, and practical guidance that strengthens the helpers and reduces overwhelm. 

Reach out if you want to explore a support plan that fits your team right now. 

We can do this a lot of different ways, with help from me and my team of amazingly brilliant, diverse consultants. 

• One-time session (triage, workshop, facilitated circle, leader messaging) 
• Short series (3–6 sessions for staff support or leadership communications) 
• Retreat facilitation (half-day or full-day reset for long-haul teams) 

Reach out today – you don’t have to do this alone. 

Dr. Amy and her Godson, Brooks. She’s CRAZY about him!

I’m sitting here writing Chapter 8 of my new book, Crazy About That Kid. It’s for parents and professionals who care for children (and if you’re reading this, that’s you). The whole premise is simple, but not always easy:

Kids don’t just need rules.
They need relationships.
They need at least one adult who is wildly, stubbornly, irrationally committed to them. 

Urie Bronfenbrenner said it best: “Every child needs at least one adult in their lives who is irrationally crazy about them.” And yes—irrationally is the key word. Not “when you’re easy.” Not “when you’re impressive.” Not “when you’re regulated.” Not “when your report card looks pretty.”

I mean: even when you’re falling apart. Even when you’re being a lot. Even when you’re hard to love. 

And as I’m writing this chapter, with all the uncertainty and unsettledness in the world right now, I keep thinking: this matters more than ever. 

Because scared children in classrooms don’t need more pressure—they need more safety.
Families being separated don’t need more judgment—they need compassion and protection.
Communities that feel divided don’t need louder opinions—they need steadier connection.
Parents don’t need one more thing on their to-do list—they need steadiness, solace, and a reminder that they’re not alone. 

And you know what keeps echoing in my head? 

“What the world needs now, is love, sweet love…”
Jackie DeShannon said it. Dionne Warwick made it famous. And honestly? It still holds up. (If you haven’t watched a good rendition lately, go find one and let yourself feel it for three minutes. Consider it a nervous system reset.) 

Here’s what I know:
When the world feels unsteady, love becomes leadership.
Not mushy love. Not permissive love. I mean the kind of love that says: 

• “I’m here.” 
• “I see you.” 
• “You can fall apart and I’m not going anywhere.” 

So, I want to offer a simple invitation this week: 

Be irrationally crazy about a kid, a neighbor, a parent, a friend. 

In a real way. 

Pick one child—your own, your student, your nephew, your neighbor, the kid who tests everyone’s patience—and do one of these: 

1. Delight in them out loud.
   “I’m really glad you’re here.” / “I love being your adult.” / “You matter to me.” 
2. Stay steady when they’re wobbly.
   Your calm is contagious. Your presence is medicine. 
3. Repair quickly when you miss it.
   “I didn’t handle that the way I wanted to. I’m sorry. Can we try again?”
   (It’s never too late to reset. Never.) 

Because the truth is: kids don’t need perfect adults. They need present ones. It needs more people who are crazy about kids—on purpose. 

When the world feels uncertain, I try to show up with tools and resources. I try to offer community and support. This week is no different. 

1. Here’s how to help children and families facing detention or separation, published by Health Families, and endorsed by The American Academy of Pediatrics.
2. Here’s how to talk to children about violence.
3. Here’s how to ground yourself, as a person who is hurting, guided by Dr. Kristin Neff. 
4. Here’s guidance on writing to your public officials. 
5. Here’s how to stay safe if you’re considering protesting. 

And finally, from Daniel Baylis – 

What is your profession?

Not, what makes you money? 

Rather, what do you wish to profess to the world?

What is your statement? 

What is your anchor?

What is your North Star?

What do you seek? 

What do you offer? 

To Whom do you give your love?

Tell me, what is your heart’s profession?

On my walk today, looking at the icy, crystallized branches of trees and bushes through a dense, cold fog, I was reminded of why I love fractals. They’re everywhere in nature and oh-so-important. I share this because, as I was walking, feelings of sadness and disillusionment were pervasive as I thought about the state of our country right now. But, as I tuned into the zillions of fractals surrounding me, I became inspired. 

A fractal in nature represents repeating, self-similar patterns where smaller parts mirror the whole structure – think snowflakes, leaves, and cells. They exist because of the need to create a fundamental blueprint for growth and form, creating highly effective designs for survival and function… ~ from Artful Math

Let’s think about this for a moment…

• A fractal is a repeating pattern
• It mirrors a smaller part of a whole structure
• They create blueprints for growth
• They’re necessary for survival

And it got me wondering:

✨ What pattern do I want to repeat?

✨ What small act might ripple outward?

✨ What blueprint am I part of shaping?

As I trudged through the fog with a heavy heart—grieving the state of our world, our politics, our pain—I noticed something: the fractals were still there. Still forming. Still showing up. And I thought: I want to be like that.

I’m choosing love. I’m choosing trust. I’m choosing to believe in the helpers, the healers, the protectors, and the advocates who show up—again and again.

This is what creates a blueprint for growth with love and wholeness. I know that the protectors, the healers, the helpers, and the advocates will continue to show up – repeating patterns over and over. I want to model love, acceptance, fierce protection, and advocacy because what I do every day is a smaller part of a whole. And, I believe that the relationships I create, model, and teach others are necessary for survival. 

Every kind interaction, every courageous conversation, every moment of listening over lecturing, advocacy over apathy—it all matters. It all repeats. And together, we form something stronger. Something survivable. Something beautiful.

So today, I’m asking myself—and you, if you’re up for it:

• What pattern do you want to repeat?
• What part of your daily rhythm might become someone else’s reminder that safety, hope, and love are still alive?

Keep noticing the small things, friends. Once you start seeing fractals in nature, you can’t unsee them. The same is true for beauty. And for hope.

Year at a Glance: Let’s Partner in 2026

In a world that’s hungry for meaningful connection, we’re here for you.

At Dr. Amy & Team, we specialize in building relational health from the inside out — with individuals, teams, and organizations. And when people work with us, they feel it: the love, the learning, and the transformation we co-create.

So, what’s ahead in 2026? A lot! Whether you’re a long-time friend or hoping to collaborate soon, here’s a peek at our offerings — with clear ways to connect or bring us in: 

 Newsletters (That’s this!)

This is our heart space — free, warm, and full of community. Each message is crafted with you in mind.

If you find value here, forward this to a friend or colleague who might need support too. Let’s create less aloneness, together.

 Workshops & Keynotes

From trauma-responsive care to HOPE science and relational leadership, our team offers learning experiences that stick.

Want to bring us to your school, clinic, agency, or event? Reach out here to get on our 2026 calendar.

 Dr. Amy GPT (Yes, really!)

Our new AI-powered tool is in BETA! Built to bring relational, strength-based support into your pocket.

Want early access? Reply to this email with “GPT” to join the interest list.

 CLARITY Model Training

CLARITY helps you understand complex behavior with real-world cases and trauma-responsive tools. Offered live and (soon!) self-paced.

Bring CLARITY to your team — schedule a discovery call now.

 Cards for Connection™ Certification

Our signature training: 14 hours to equip professionals with research-backed tools to build relational health.

Let’s talk! Book a call to explore bringing this training to your team or system. 

 Leadership Coaching & Consultation

We support leaders who want to build brave, relational organizations — with custom coaching and consultation.

Want to learn more? Book a free inquiry call with us.

We already have 21 engagements booked — and it’s only January. There’s room for you, too. Let’s make 2026 the year we connect and grow, together.

As we pack away 2025 (and maybe just now recycle that rogue holiday card), I’m taking a big breath and a moment of gratitude.

This year, we zigzagged across the country, logged thousands of miles, and got to be in rooms with some of the most committed, compassionate, and change-making humans out there. 

And in that spirit… here’s our Top 10 of 2025 — because we love a good list and you know we had to brag a little. 

1. 38 Presentations and Workshops
Yep, thirty-eight! We trained, talked, laughed, cried, and caffeinated our way through sessions with educators, healthcare providers, early childhood teams, and more. 

2. From Malheur to Clatsop, Multnomah to Jackson
We covered the great state of Oregon like a cozy quilt – rural, urban, coastal, high desert – we were there. 

3. 5 Big, Bold Cards for Connection Trainings
Our signature program continues to grow. Five full cohorts of professionals trained to build relational health, reduce overwhelm, and say, “Hey, there’s a card for that!” 

4. 12 Head Start Teams + 10 Migrant Farmworker Sites
Some of the most inspiring, hardworking caregivers on the planet. Deep respect for the champions who show up for kids and families every day. 

5. We hit the road… HARD.
Nebraska, Illinois, Washington, Florida, Montana, California – if there was a training to give or a story to tell, we packed our bags (and snacks) and showed up. 

6. Over $10,000 Given to Charities
Because love looks like action – and we believe in putting our money where our mission is. 

7. Hundreds of Volunteer Hours
Our team stepped up and out – mentoring, serving, supporting community orgs. It’s our joy and our fuel. 

8. Hosted Our Very Own Cards for Connection Conference
Cue the confetti! We brought our people together and it was powerful. Learning, laughter, and lots of snacks. Let’s do it again! 

9. Thousands of Miles Driven
Somewhere between audiobooks, gas station snacks, and questionable playlists… we made it everywhere we needed to be. My team did this with me and without me! 

10. TWO National Partnerships in the Works
Big things are coming. Stay tuned. We’re dreaming bigger – and you’re invited! 

As we move into 2026, we’re full of gratitude – for the partnerships, the collaborations, the humans doing this work with us. Whether we met in a workshop, traded emails, or you’ve been cheering us on from afar, THANK YOU. 

Ready to work together in 2026?
Let’s build a training, a keynote, or a conference experience that leaves people feeling more hopeful, more equipped, and more connected.

Reach out. We’re booking now. Contact us today!  

As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been reflecting on what I want you to carry into the new year—and what I want you to leave behind.

Here’s what I want you to leave:

• Overwhelm

• Perfectionism

• “I’ll figure it out alone” energy

Here’s what I want you to carry into 2026:

• Clarity

• Compassion

• Community

• And a brand-new tool I built just for YOU.

Earlier this month, I shared that I’ve created a custom GPT—an AI-powered companion for parents, caregivers, and professionals. It’s built from my book, trainings, clinical wisdom, and decades of work in the trenches with families. Think: warm guidance, trauma-informed strategies, and real talk… in your pocket.

And now? I want you to help me shape it.

 Consider this your end-of-year gift:

A chance to join the BETA testing group for this powerful new tool before anyone else.

We launch in January. There are only 50 spots – now actually, fewer than 20 spots are available! But, there’s still room for YOU.

What you’ll get:

• Access to the GPT tool before it goes public

• Two live group calls with me (Jan 14 and early March)

• A chance to NAME it!

• A front-row seat in something I believe will transform how we support kids and caregivers

• Oh, and… it’s free to join.

What I need from you:

• Your honest feedback

• Your ideas on how to make it better

• A short list of folks you’ll share it with when it goes live

• A signed non-disclosure (because this is still hush-hush!)

Ready to be part of this?

Email info@doctoramyllc.com with the subject line:

“I’m In – Let’s Kick Off 2026 Together!”

And copy/paste this into your message:

I agree! I can’t wait to be part of this project and help shape something meaningful. 

I can’t wait for you to try this. I truly believe it could shift the parenting and professional landscape in the best way. Let’s start 2026 not just with big intentions—but with the support to live them out.

This is big.

For years, parents and professionals have said to me:

“Gosh, I wish I could carry you around in my pocket.”

Well… now you can.

After months of dreaming, building, and refining, I’ve created a custom GPT—your own AI-powered partner, built with my brain and heart. This tool is for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, and coaches who are guiding kids and families through the messy, beautiful work of growing up. And I want YOU to help shape it.

I’m opening up 50 exclusive spots in my January BETA testing group. This is your chance to be the first to try it, name it, and help me make it as incredible as it can be.

Why a GPT?

Apps weren’t cutting it. I wanted something responsive, intelligent, and interactive—something that could meet you in real time, whether you’re in the carpool line or decompressing after a client.

I know AI can feel weird or even worrisome to some of you. But here’s the thing: what if we used AI to make compassionate, wise, trauma-informed care more accessible? What if you could ask ONE prompt and get grounded guidance on tantrums, teen meltdowns, or trauma recovery—based on my real-life training, book, and work with families?

This GPT is all that and more. It’s my years of expertise, in your pocket.

Want to join the BETA group?

Email us at info@doctoramyllc.com with the subject line: “I’m In!”

Then copy and paste these bullet points into your email and say:

“I agree! I can’t wait to be part of this project!”

Here’s what you’re committing to:

• Attend two live online sessions:
• January 14th at 5:30 pm PST
• A second session in early March (date TBD)
• Provide feedback about how it works, what you need, and what it’s worth.
• Refer 10 friends when the GPT goes public.
• Sign a simple Non-Disclosure Agreement.

This isn’t a marketing stunt—it’s a mission. I believe this tool can transform how we support kids and caregivers. It’s a lifeline of relational health, research-backed support, and real talk—at your fingertips.

You’ve asked for this for years.

I finally built it.

Now I need your help to finish it. Let’s do this together.

Thank you for all of your sweet & silly responses to my yearly rant about The Elf! If you’re impatient about the sneak peek, scroll to the bottom!

As the year wraps up, I want to thank all of you for following our team via this newsletter. I absolutely adore hearing from you, and for those of you who take the time to reach out, it warms my heart and fuels this work. I often tuck away your notes in an electronic file to read later as a way to lift my spirits. 

A few reminders about offerings here at Dr. Amy that are coming up in 2026. 

1. Cards for Connection: Our signature offer for folks who want to become certified in brief intervention strategies that help build relational health and resilience. If you’re a parent, this is like the handbook of prevention for your child. And, if you’re a professional, it’s the program you’ve been looking for to build skills, confidence, and prevent burnout! 

Sign up to be on our waitlist for Cards for Connection in 2026! We’re going to offer a virtual option in April and an in-person option next fall. All you have to do is let us know you’re interested here. You might be wondering:

a. Can I take this as an individual, parent or professional? Absolutely, yes!

b. Can I encourage my organization to reach out to Dr. Amy? Absolutely, yes!

c. Do you offer continuing education? Again, Yes, yes, yes!

2. Download our Case Study! If you’re interested in learning more about our work and the impact is having in communities, download this today! You’ll learn all about our work with over 200 professionals. Then, reach out so you can join this group of champions!

3. Download a free resource! We have so many free resources for you – my favorite is the resource on Protecting Boundaries – wow, that seems timely since the holidays are here! 

Finally, you’re going to want to watch your inbox closely next week! I’m inviting just 50 (just the FIRST 50) people who respond next week to be part of a BETA group for my FIRST EVER CUSTOM GPT. So many of you have asked for a Dr. Amy app, and this is as close as I’ve gotten. It’s pretty cool, if I do say so…but you’ll have to be on the lookout! 

I cannot wait to see what free offerings you take advantage of! And, if you want to send me a question to be featured next week in the Dr. Amy GPT, zip me a quick note! 

We’re prepping for the holidays over here at Dr. Amy & Team, and that means celebrating our team! Take a look at this beautiful crew! Now, onto some raw feelings about the elf…

Can we talk about the damn elf? I mean, really. I feel like elf vs. no elf has the stress and weight of stay-at-home vs. working moms! For some, the elf represents fun, tradition, mischief, surprise and a little help to get kids to behave. For others, it’s stressful, elicits guilt, forgetfulness and overwhelm. 

I’ll never forget the year our elf arrived, circa 2008: Norman Pizza Owen, he was quickly named. Norman represented a mom’s helper at first – someone else watching for Santa to bribe my kids into behaving appropriately as he flew up to Santa each night to report back on naughty vs. nice behavior. Until the dog ate his head one night and it looked like Normal had a craniotomy. My kids were horrified when they saw the misshapen head. Or, until I forgot to move him and my young children looked sadly with disappointed faces and wonderment about why he didn’t move. Me: “I guess your behavior was questionable yesterday, we’ll see what happens tonight….” Then all day, telling myself not to forget, move the darn elf, put him somewhere cute and funny. 

Pinterest searches. Overwhelm settled in – my mommy counterparts had this dude swimming in marshmallows, building snow forts, colluding with GI Joe and Barbie, and making cookies during the night. It was all I could do to move the little elf 6 inches. 

But everyone else was doing it. Everyone else was creating beautiful “elfie” memories and treasured moments of bribery for their children. I was a working mom with two little kids, exhausted by night’s end, but determined to make Christmas magical. Then…a Christmas miracle occurred, or tragedy, depending on your perspective. One year, my kids found the lobotomized elf – I had attempted to replace him so I could stop taping his hat on to prevent holiday trauma. Jack, probably about 6 or so at the time, found Norman in the office, on a shelf, mid-February. ACK. He looked up at me with the sweetest eyes and said, “It’s ok mom, we know Norman is you. He never moves. Let’s just focus on Santa. At least he’s real.” I felt…relieved. Guilty. Sad. Inspired. All of the above.

And I realized, holidays are what we make of them. Not someone else’s version. We can create our own traditions and eliminate unnecessary stress. Now, I choose to focus on traditions that matter to me and my children, not someone else’s version of the holidays. This year, we had turkey burgers with grilled pineapple for Thanksgiving. My kids LOVED it. This year, we are focusing less on “things” for gifts and more on experiences; because we’ve realized that experiences are what help us through hard times and bring us closer together. 

So, whether you’re an elf family or elfless, please know that the most important part of elf-adoption is whether it brings you joy or stress. 

More joy, less stress this holiday season. That’s my wish for all of you. 

In the meantime, take a cue from my friend Melissa. She made things easy and put her elf in a 14-day COVID quarantine upon his arrival. Bless her. That darn elf can simply sit on his behind for 14 days – so she’s left with only 10 days to remember to move the little guy. 

P.S. If you’re not on the waiting list yet to become a certified champion in Cards for Connection, here’s how you do it: Want in for 2026? Email us at certify@doctoramyllc.com to join the priority waitlist. Spots are limited, and this conference will fill fast.