This spotlight is of Amber Weyer, a Therapist at Arnold Elementary. Amber is applying for The 2024 Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant via the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference started by me, Kerry Magro. I was nonverbal till 2.5 and diagnosed with autism at 4, and you can read more about my organization here.
Amber Weyer’s journey as a mental health therapist in a school setting is a story of dedication, patience, and the deep belief that every student deserves to be heard and understood. For the past three years, Amber has worked with students in grades K-5 at Arnold Elementary in Lincoln, Nebraska, helping those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and other emotional and behavioral challenges. As a therapist, Amber is committed to providing individualized care, ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met so they can thrive academically and emotionally.
For Amber, the philosophy of “Teaching the Way Our Students Learn” goes beyond traditional education. It’s about truly understanding the child and adapting her approach to meet their individual needs. “Being in the kids’ shoes and teaching them how they need to be taught is essential,” she explains. “Kids need to be heard, especially those who face mental health and behavioral challenges. I start every therapy session by giving them the space to talk about whatever is on their mind. This allows me to build a relationship with them, understand their struggles, and tailor my approach to meet their needs.”
Amber’s work as a therapist is centered around creating a safe space where students can express themselves without fear of judgment. By listening and validating their feelings, she helps her students build trust, which is essential for progress. “Therapizing the kids with an individualized approach is key,” she adds. “It’s not just about techniques or strategies; it’s about creating a connection and empowering them to take control of their emotions and behaviors.”
Amber is currently applying for the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant through KFM Making a Difference, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting educators in the special needs community. As a therapist in a school with a high percentage of students living in poverty, Amber recognizes the challenges many of her students face, both in terms of emotional well-being and access to resources. “Being able to find additional resources for these kids, many of whom face significant emotional or behavioral struggles, would make a huge difference in their lives,” she explains. “This grant would allow me to provide more targeted support and help them overcome the obstacles that prevent them from succeeding academically and socially.”
Amber’s commitment to her students is evident in the success stories that have come from her work. One story that stands out to her involves a third grader who had been struggling with severe behavioral challenges. “When I first started working with him, his behaviors were off the charts. He would scream, yell, throw chairs, and flip desks over in the classroom,” Amber recalls. “It was clear that he was struggling emotionally, and we needed to work on finding healthy ways for him to express his feelings.”
Over the course of a year and a half, Amber worked with the student on developing coping skills. She introduced techniques like deep breathing and the STOP and THINK method, which helped him pause and consider his actions before reacting. “We focused a lot on teaching him how to calm down and think through his emotions, so he could respond in more productive ways,” Amber explains.
The transformation in this student was remarkable. Amber’s work with him, along with the support of his teacher, helped him make significant progress in controlling his emotions and behavior. “By the time he graduated from therapy, he was able to problem solve, think about the consequences of his actions, and make better choices in the classroom,” Amber says. “His teacher reported that he was doing so much better, and he was able to stay focused and engaged in class. He even started to contribute positively to group discussions.”
The culmination of his progress came when the student’s teacher and mother attended his final therapy session. “They were both there to congratulate him on how far he had come,” Amber shares. “He was so proud of himself, and it was an incredibly rewarding moment for all of us. It’s moments like that that remind me why I do this work.”
For Amber, success is not just about helping students manage their emotions but also about empowering them to take control of their lives. “When a student like this third grader is able to overcome such significant behavioral challenges and take pride in his progress, it’s a huge win,” she says. “It’s about building their self-esteem, helping them feel confident, and giving them the tools to navigate the world around them.”
As Amber continues her work at Arnold Elementary, she remains focused on providing individualized, compassionate support to each of her students. Through the Kerry Magro Special Education Teacher, Therapist, and Aide Grant, she hopes to expand her ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of students who need it most. “This grant would allow me to continue working with these incredible kids and provide them with the resources they need to thrive,” Amber says. “I’m honored to be part of their journey and excited to see how they continue to grow.”
Have Dr. Kerry Magro give a student assembly, staff development for your educators or a parent talk for your parents by contacting him here for more details.
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My name is Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum. I started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue post-secondary education. Help support me so I can continue to help students with autism go to college by making a tax-deductible donation to our nonprofit here.
