About Me,
Amie Santerelli
I am excited to be at this place of service in my life. My journey has been enriched by many experiences that have brought clarity to my life's purpose, and now is the time to fully embrace and share it.Â
I have been married to an incredibly supportive husband for over 32 years in the Greater Seattle area. Together, we have four amazing children: two biological daughters who are now adults, and two sons whom we fostered from their toddler years and adopted a few years later. Our family is not perfect, and I do not have all the answers. However, I bring professional training, life experience, and a talent for finding creative solutions and strategies to help build healthy families and nurturing environments where children can grow and thrive.
Like all families, we face our share of chaotic times—what I like to call "growth opportunities." Nevertheless, we always return to the foundations of unconditional love and acceptance, finding heart connection and innovative solutions to navigate challenges.
Education and General Work Experience:
I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Special Education. Additionally, I am a certified parent coach through the Jai Institute, which has allowed me to gain extensive experience working with children and families. Here is an overview of my professional journey:
Teaching Experience:
Public School System: I have several years of experience teaching in the public school system.
Homeschooling: I homeschooled my two daughters throughout most of their elementary years, providing them with a tailored and comprehensive education.
Private Early Childhood Learning Center: I spent seven years teaching in a private early childhood learning center, where I developed and implemented educational programs for young learners.
Additional Educational Roles:
Parent Educator: I facilitated an infant class through Bellevue College, supporting new parents in understanding and nurturing their children's development.
Tutoring Company: I ran my own tutoring company, specializing in working with students of all ages diagnosed with dyslexia, helping them overcome learning challenges and succeed academically.
Ongoing Professional Development:
Parenting Children from Trauma: I have attended numerous trainings focused on parenting children from trauma, which has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to support children in foster care.
Foster Care Experience: For the past seven years, I have been deeply involved in navigating the foster care system, an ongoing journey that has enriched my understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by foster children and their families.
This diverse range of experiences has honed my ability to adapt to various educational environments and effectively support children and their families in their educational and personal growth journeys.