Amber is a dedicated child welfare professional with over 18 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in human services organizations. Her expertise spans child welfare, program improvement, forensic investigations, and leadership development. Currently serving as the Practice Improvement Coordinator with Allies4Outcomes (A4O), Amber has spent the past three years enhancing child welfare practices across North Carolina counties. She has played a pivotal role in supporting multiple counties in program improvement efforts, including two counties divested administrative authority under NCGS 108A-74.
Prior to this, Amber held decision-making roles in county agencies, most recently serving as a Program Administrator in a mid-sized county, where she led teams and implemented strategic initiatives to improve child welfare services. With extensive experience collaborating with counties and state agencies in North Carolina, Amber has specialized in CPS intake and investigations for the past decade, including conducting forensic investigations. As a former Program Consultant with the NC DHHS Office of Staff Development, she trained professionals at all levels of the child welfare workforce on a range of critical topics. Most recently, she served as a Regional Abuse & Medical Specialist (RAMS) consultant through UNC-Chapel Hill in partnership with NC DHHS.
Amber’s expertise extends to childcare facility investigations, mental health partnerships, crisis intervention, and substance abuse training. She is highly skilled in child welfare leadership, supervision, training, and coaching, with deep subject matter knowledge in policy across all child welfare program areas. Her approach emphasizes field observation, feedback, and workforce development, ensuring best practices are implemented effectively.
Amber holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling and is a licensed counselor. Her passion for education is reflected in her work as an adjunct instructor, where she has honed her ability to engage adult learners. Committed to advocacy, education, and strengthening best practices, Amber is driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Her dedication to child welfare is evident in her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of families.
