Amy Yillik

Dr. Amy Yillik credits her own overcoming of trauma and addiction led her to the school counseling and psychology profession over 30 years ago.  In 2014, she came face to face with toxic stress not only in herself but also in the students, families and colleagues she worked with as they navigated the impact of an on-campus suicide shooting at her school. In her desperation to help others involved and to save herself, she became well-versed in the neuroscience of trauma and the healing power of connection. She also became skilled in coaching others seeking to overcome burnout and grief using evidence-based protocols and strategies. She has considered Central Oregon home since 1988 and in addition to her work with Culture of Care, she is a therapeutic coach with Insula Somatics and Ritual & Renewal Retreats, and teaches for OSU-C and USC in their Masters of Counseling programs. She was a TEDEd Speaker, 2023 and hosted Season 11’s OEA Grow Podcast: Culture of Care.

Dr. Yillik attended Central Oregon Community College, earned her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Washington, her M.Ed in School Counseling and her Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Seattle Pacific University. She is a Licensed School Psychologist and Counselor, Applied Educational Neuroscience graduate, an IIRP Restorative Practices Trainer, Certified Compassion Fatigue and Clinical Trauma Specialist, A CONNECT Trainer, a DBT Practitioner, a certified Mind/Body Coach, a Certified Somatic Therapist, and a Breathwork Practitioner.  Her personal wellness plan includes activities such as spending time with her family and friends, learning, reading, beading, crocheting, singing & playing the guitar, embroidering, being in nature, hunting, traveling, scuba diving, skiing and enjoying her home and her animals.