MSW, Exec. MBA, Director of Education
Dorri is a 20 year Northern Virginia transplant and proud “Jersey Girl” who grew up 5 miles from New York City, NY. The mother of two young adults, she is the owner of a “thinks he is large and in charge” Lhasa Opsa” named “Fango.”
A lover of community, the arts, poetry, museums and world travel she has visited 38 countries and 44 states. Passionate about mental health wellness, she is also a social justice advocate and international speaker.
She loves to read; any book will do, listening to music, journals daily and is the author of 3 books including one best seller and Founder of the “I AM” book series for women and children with disabilities. She can often be found volunteering in a community based organization serving for the greater good. She especially enjoys teaching – board room to the classroom; gender, race matters, culture and leadership.
Dorri works collaboratively with adults, parents, families, small groups and faith based organizations to address life’s stressors including; anxiety, grief, PTSD, parenting/familial issues, diversity and inclusiveness.
Her high value goals; to educate, empower, advocate and support to build healthier families, equity amongst races and stronger communities for optimum mental health wellness. Using behavior and family systems theory, the strengths based model, coach-parent approach © and open communication she counsels and educates groups and individual clients with kindness, theory, mindfulness and STORYtelling.
A social justice advocate, she facilitates and teaches cultural diversity, equity, inclusiveness and helps to support families LGBTQ clients, parents and women in a changing race matters world.
She is a certified family mediator-parent coach and college professor, for 10 years she taught various social sciences, business and social work courses, including sociology, culture, leadership, social problems, policy, ethics and marriage and the family. She is the founding publisher and also served as the managing editor of a regional education magazine. A columnist, she manages a weekly blog, has published over 100 education articles, continues to raise her voice on women’s issues, mental health wellness and speaks internationally.
Dorri completed her undergraduate degree in Political Science at the College of New Jersey. She earned a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University Kansas (KS) and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School – Executive Education in University in Boston, MA.
She is currently completing VA licensure social work requirements and pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work Policy and Leadership with an emphasis on mental health, race and its impact on communities at large.
“Amy talks about moving children from being externally-driven to internally-driven…and she helps you get there!”
— Parent of 15-year-old daughterAmy knows how to relate to children, and make them feel comfortable . My son was shy at the beginning but Amy asked him a couple questions about what he likes and immediately found the connection to him. He happily followed her in the office (just after a 3 min of conversation) and preformed the test. He wasn’t nervous or scared and it’s bc of her ability to relate to kids.
We had a great experience and he wants to go back! Thank you very much!
— Dad of 5-year-old assessment clientWe read through your website from start to finish and were so impressed by your extensive credentials and training but, the real reason why we want to work with you is your clear enthusiasm for children and families and the wisdom and deep love you share for both!
— Mom of 12-year-old child with special needs“Amy brings together the best emotion-focused strategies with cutting-edge brain science to change the lives of children and families”
— Parent of adopted twin girls
