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. She is also the Publisher of the “I Am” Book series created to inspire and empower women, girls and children with special needs. Dorri is civic minded, a community leader and can be found volunteering for the greater good on the many civic, political and social justice causes dear to her heart. She especially enjoys teaching – from the board room to the classroom and regularly facilitates diversity, race, equity and inclusion workshops for individuals, groups, schools and corporations.
Dorri works collaboratively with adults, parents, families, small groups, schools and faith based organizations to address life’s stressors including; anxiety, grief, coping skills, communication, school bullying and self esteem building for teen girls and women. A certified family mediator, she works to support divorced, blended, multicultural and adoptive families with transition, adjustment and acceptance. Using behavior modification, family systems theory, social learning and cognitive theory, the STRENGTHS perspective model, psychosocial development and family-parent-coach approach programs, she counsels, coaches and educates with theory, storytelling, straight talk, and kindness with respect for all.
Dorri has also worked as a college professor, having 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.
A life learner, Dorri intends to pursue her Doctorate degree in Women’s Studies and Leadership to further propel social advocacy and work for a more equitable, inclusive world – especially for women and girls.
“Amy talks about moving children from being externally-driven to internally-driven…and she helps you get there!”
— Parent of 15-year-old daughter“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“I went home and practiced what Amy taught me…and it worked!”
— 8-year-old coaching clientShe has been a tremendous help with family issues and getting our children organized for success in life. Highly recommend her.
— Mom of three young adults ages 20 – 24