We’re looking forward to introducing you to Amy Schamberg. Check out our conversation below.
Amy, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am learning to speak Hungarian and it is the most challenging- and rewarding- personal endeavor I’ve ever taken on. All of my maternal great-grandparents emigrated from Hungary, and studying the language has been a meaningful way to connect with my heritage. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Budapest several times, most recently this summer when I traveled there by myself for a few days of in-vivo language immersion. The vulnerability it takes to stumble through even simple conversations in a brand new language has been incredibly humbling for me and has really opened my eyes to the courage required of anyone building a life in a language they didn’t grow up speaking. Büszke vagyok a magyar származásomra, és szerintem a magyar nagyon különleges nyelv!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Amy Schamberg, and like many, I wear a lot of hats. For the past 15 years I’ve worked at the intersection of mental health and education in various capacities. I’m a licensed school psychologist, board-certified functional-medicine health coach, Total Worker Health specialist, small business owner, speaker, podcast host, and doctoral student. Not surprisingly, “Love of Learning” is my top character strength and is the thread that connects everything I do.
My career path has evolved over the years due to my own experiences as a high-achiever who burned out in toxic environments and my drive to ensure others don’t sacrifice their health in the same way. As a coach, I work with high-performers who look ‘perfect on paper’ but feel consumed by stress and constant demands. Together, we uncover the patterns fueling their burnout cycles so they can reconnect with themselves, rebuild healthy habits, and find joy again- without the guilt.
As my work expanded, I realized that supporting individuals must also include addressing the systems they work and live within. Adults spend 30% of their lives at work and 30% sleeping, leaving just 30% left for everything else that matters. I often say, “You can’t self-care your way out of a toxic system,” and with that in mind, I am dedicated to helping organizations and leaders create healthier environments where both people and performance can thrive.
Because I spent a large portion of my career working in schools, I am especially passionate about advancing the health, safety, and well-being of education professionals. I recently began hosting TAUGHT, a podcast that explores the root causes of educator burnout and highlights solutions from experts across industries. While workplace stress is a serious issue with grim consequences, my goal with TAUGHT is to uncover what is working and inspire meaningful change so schools and organizations become places where employees can truly flourish.
This passion has also led to some incredible opportunities recently. In the spring, I participated on Governor Polis’ “Educator Safety Task Force” as an Honorary Member, helping to shape policy recommendations to keep Colorado educators safe. And in July, I had the privilege of co-presenting at the World Council for Gifted and Talented World Conference in Braga, Portugal on multi-level strategies for sustaining teacher wellness.
Finally, driven by a commitment for creating meaningful and sustainable change, I am pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Environmental & Occupational Health at the Colorado School of Public Health. My focus is on translating research findings into practical strategies to strengthen both organizational systems and individual well-being, creating healthier, safer workplaces in education and beyond.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
This is an interesting question because we are born into cultures, societies, and families that have already set rules and expectations for us. Even when they aren’t explicit, they shape us. Yet before I realized what the world expected of me…
I was endlessly curious, creative, and courageous. As far back as I can remember, I can hear my mother exclaiming, “Amy! You and your brainy ideas!” I was always dreaming up inventions, solutions, and adventures- often with complex roadmaps. The details of execution never fazed me because I was energized by the possibilities the journey held.
I also naturally stepped into roles of supporting others, whether as a listener, a helper, or someone who could just hold space. I’ve always believed people are more than their titles, appearances, or zip codes, and treating others with dignity and compassion has been a core value I’ve never wavered on.
I grew up surrounded by the American ideal that hard work could open any door- along with the unspoken rule that compliance mattered more than dissent. The mixed messages of “work hard and anything is possible” alongside “sit still, shine on paper, and swallow your truth” pushed me toward decades of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and tying my self-worth to achievement.
By 2021, burnout forced me to reevaluate my belief system and step away from a long career in school mental health. A few years later, I tried returning to school psychology because I thought that was what I “should” do. But the impossible demands, organizational dysfunction, and unsafe conditions confirmed what I already knew: I couldn’t thrive in a system that asked me to sacrifice my health, my family, and my values. It’s painfully hard to lead change when you’re being asphyxiated by the very system you’re trying to fix.
I’ve come to realize that the woman I am now is the same girl I’ve always been- endlessly curious, creative, and courageous. My purpose isn’t to fit into a system that diminishes me, but to use my voice and vision to help make it healthier for those still within it. Letting go of external expectations has given me the freedom to embrace the change-maker inside me, someone who has always believed more in possibilities than limitations.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I used to be extremely hesitant to talk about my personal experiences with mental illness and burnout, so in my wellness workshops I often leaned toward a more clinical delivery, sticking to statistics and strategies and avoiding my story. One day I decided to try something different. I chose to lead with humanity and vulnerability and started the talk by sharing my personal “why” for doing this work. The intense connection and trust that moment created was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Since then, I’ve continued to use my story as a source of connection and inspiration, so that others no longer feel the need to hide their struggles, carry shame, or feel alone.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! The public version of me is the real me. As I mentioned, I’ve found that showing up with vulnerability and genuine humanity leads to the strongest connections. I sometimes wish I was a bit more polished… especially on my podcast… but ultimately, what you see is what you get, and I’d never trade authenticity for perfection.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Just yesterday I was talking to my kids about leaving a legacy. I explained a eulogy to them, and tried to help them see that they have the power to influence the impact they leave behind. When I’m gone, I hope people remember that despite the “brainy ideas” and the bumpy roadmaps, everything I did was deeply rooted in care, love, and dedication to make the world a better place. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who showed others what’s possible- someone who inspired people to take the risk, do the scary thing, and always choose well-being for themselves and those around them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyschamberg.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyschamberg/
- Other: https://taught2024.buzzsprout.com
