Her Story
About Dr.
My name is Dr. Amber McCoy, and I am an experienced mental health professional and school counselor with over 11 years of demonstrated expertise in supporting the academic, social, and emotional development of children and families. My career began in 2014 in truancy intervention, where I developed a strong foundation in addressing systemic barriers that impact student engagement and educational outcomes. This early experience provided valuable insight into the complex social, emotional, and environmental factors that influence student success. In 2015, after being introduced to the mental health field by a licensed therapist, I discovered a deeper professional calling that aligned my passion with a clear sense of purpose—advocating for and empowering individuals, families, and communities through counseling and supportive services.
Guided by this passion and purpose, I pursued a dual master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. My commitment to continued growth and impact led me to further my education by earning a PhD in Counseling Education and Supervision. My academic training and professional experiences have equipped me with the knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership capacity to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families while also contributing to the advancement of the counseling profession.
Throughout my career, I have worked in various areas of mental health, including family therapy, individual counseling, and group counseling. These diverse experiences have allowed me to develop a holistic, client-centered approach that emphasizes emotional well-being, resilience, and personal growth.
Currently, I serve as a school counselor, where I collaborate with students, families, educators, and community partners to promote academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. My work includes providing individual and group counseling services, partnering with teachers and administrators, supporting families in accessing appropriate resources, and assessing the unique needs of each student in order to implement strategies that foster both academic and personal success.
My counseling philosophy is grounded in family systems theory. I strongly believe that understanding a child’s behavior and academic challenges requires a comprehensive view of the family dynamics and environmental factors that influence their development. By thoughtfully exploring these dynamics, I work collaboratively with families, schools, and community resources to identify underlying concerns and implement meaningful strategies that support each student’s long-term growth and success.
At the core of my work are the values of empathy, integrity, and strong character. These principles guide my commitment to serving others and advocating for students and families. My passion for this work, combined with a clear sense of purpose, continues to drive my efforts to create supportive environments where individuals, families, and communities can thrive.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would describe my journey as one driven by both passion and purpose. My passion for helping others motivated me to continue growing both personally and professionally. It inspired me to further my education by pursuing my master’s degree and eventually my PhD. Each step was not simply about personal achievement, but about equipping myself with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make a greater impact.
My goal has always been bigger than myself. I pursued advanced education so that I could better serve, educate, and empower future generations. I use the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained to pour into my students and clients, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and support systems they need to succeed. For me, this work is not just a career—it is a calling rooted in passion, purpose, and a commitment to uplifting the next generation.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I’ve received is to always lead with purpose and remain a lifelong learner. When your work is connected to your purpose, it gives meaning to the challenges, growth, and sacrifices along the way. It also reminds you that the impact you make on others is more important than titles or recognition.
I was also advised to never stop investing in my education and professional growth. The field of mental health and education is constantly evolving, and continuing to learn allows you to better serve the people who depend on you. Whether through formal education, professional development, or lived experience, every opportunity to grow strengthens your ability to guide and support others.
This advice has stayed with me throughout my career because it reinforces the idea that our work is not just about our own advancement, but about the lives we influence and the communities we help uplift.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young adults to start by taking an interest assessment to help identify areas they may naturally gravitate toward. Many students and young adults are unsure about what they truly enjoy or where their strengths lie, and interest inventories can serve as a helpful starting point for exploring potential career paths.
Once you identify areas that spark your interest, I encourage you to pursue them with confidence. However, it is also important to understand that career paths are not always permanent. You may discover along the way that your interests change, and that is perfectly okay. Nothing in life is set in stone, and you are not confined to one path forever.
Life is about making choices, learning from experiences, and growing through both successes and challenges. Mistakes and setbacks are a natural part of the journey, but they also provide valuable lessons that help guide future decisions. The key is to remain open to growth, give yourself the freedom to explore different opportunities, and remember that you can always adjust your path as you learn more about yourself and your goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say that attendance has been one of the biggest barriers to student success. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable decline in student performance, particularly when it comes to state testing. The data clearly reflects a gap that emerged during that time, showing a decrease in overall academic achievement.
One of the major challenges educators now face is working to close that gap and help students regain the academic progress that was disrupted. Attendance and academic success go hand in hand. When students are not consistently present at school, they miss critical instruction, support, and learning opportunities that are necessary for their growth.
Because of this, improving attendance has become a key focus in helping students succeed. Addressing this issue requires a collaborative effort among schools, families, and communities to ensure students are present, engaged, and supported academically so they can reach their full potential.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy, character, and integrity are the core values that guide both my professional work and my personal life. I believe empathy allows us to genuinely understand and support others, while strong character helps us remain consistent in our actions and decisions. Integrity ensures that we operate with honesty, accountability, and respect in every interaction. Together, these values shape how I build relationships, serve others, and make meaningful contributions to the individuals and communities I work with.
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