About Amy

Hi, I’m Amy Parks

I have one passion: helping girls become their best selves! I’ve worked with children and adolescents for more than 30 years as a teacher, Girl Scout leader, and parent of four daughters. I founded Breathe to Shine to help nurture girls. My program focuses on self empowerment, self compassion, setting boundaries, and the mind-body connection.

Why I do what I do

I have seen my daughters and other girls struggle with pressure, perfectionism, shyness, anxiety, constant social media exposure, and just plain lack of self-confidence. I’ve had my own periods of adversity and have personally struggled with the need to be perfect.

The power of our brain has always fascinated me and informed my teaching. I’ve also attended many trainings on the mind-body connection. I’ve personally benefited from learning how the brain works and why mindfulness makes a positive difference. I find it rewarding to share mindfulness techniques with girls and help them harness the power of their brain to calm down, reassure themselves, and refocus. Girls in my Breathe sessions will learn these tools at an age when they need them most—and they will carry these skills with them throughout their entire lives.

I’ve also come to learn the power of authenticity and connection to reduce stress and anxiety. I’ve purposely limited the size of our Breathe Girls Groups to help girls forge special connections and practice being authentic in a close-knit, accepting group.

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My Background

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Trainings

Brain Based Learning by Eric Jenson Training (1990)
Integrated Thematic Instruction Training (1994)
Talented and Gifted Educator Training (1996)
Love and Logic Parenting Training (2005)
P.E.T. (Parent Effectiveness Training) Online (2007)
Yoga Calm Training (July 2014)
Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck Training (November 2014)
Mindfulness and the Brain Online Training (January 2017)
Think:Kids Introduction: Trauma Informed Practices focusing on Collaborative Problem Solving  (January 2018)
Dan Siegel Presentation: I Wish My Parents Knew (October 2018)
Unconditional Well Being Presentation by Dave Mochel (January 2019)
Think:Kids Training Tier 1: Trauma Informed Practices using Collaborative Problem Solving (April 2019)

Conferences

PBIS/Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Conference (April 2015)
PBIS/Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Conference (April 2016)
Peace in Schools Educators Conference (July 2017)
PBIS/Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Conference (April 2018)
Mindful Workplace Summit (April 2018)
Mindful Educators Summit: Greater Good Science Center (July 2019)

Degrees/Endorsements

BA Sociology, Willamette University (June 1990)
BS Education, Western Oregon State University (June 1990)
Masters in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, Portland State University (August 2018)
Read Oregon Endorsement (August 2018)

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