Amy K. Abell, Ed.S. | Owner + Training Specialist

After adopting two of our sons internationally, the reality of early adversity on the developing brains and bodies of children touched my life in a deeply personal way. When the traditional methods for addressing behavior issues failed, I began searching for the best way to meet my family’s needs. I attended a conference on Trust Based Relational Intervention® and felt hope for the first time in three years. After I became a TBRI® Practitioner in 2016 and witnessed incredible levels of healing in my home through the use of this approach, I created HopeAlight with the goal of empowering educators, community based professionals, and families with this life changing information. The quality of my work has received recognition from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development (KPICD), as I was invited to be a TBRI® Mentor. This role allows me the opportunity to lead and guide those who are working to become TBRI® Practitioners throughout the year. I am thankful for the trust and confidence that the KPICD has in my ability to share TBRI® with others.

I am beyond grateful for the ability to help bridge the gap between places that serve children and the knowledge and application of TBRI®. I firmly believe that with this information, all people, regardless of their history, can experience the hope, healing, and resilience needed to live wholehearted lives.

Education

I studied psychology and sociology at Hanover College and obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004. Upon completion, I attended graduate school at Indiana University Bloomington where I studied School Psychology. I received my MS degree in Educational Psychology in 2006 and my Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in 2007 after completing my internship with RISE Special Services.

I was accepted to the highly competitive Trust Based Relational Intervention® Practitioner program through the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at Texas Christian University in May 2016 and was invited to be a TBRI® Mentor in February 2018.

I value personal growth and continuing education and am committed to learning and growing personally and professionally for the rest of my life.