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 General Human Services Program Faculty

Ami Grace is a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where she majored in Human Development and received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1996. Her main interest in working with children and families in the school system began as an undergraduate. She received her Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Fresno in 1998 where she received her M.S.W. degree as well as her Pupil Personnel Services credential which enables her to work as a school counselor in elementary and secondary schools. She completed 3,600 clinical hours towards her license as a clinical social worker and has been licensed in the state of California since 2001. Some of her clinical positions included working for a community mental health agency, an elementary school, and a foster family agency. At this local foster family agency Ami began as a clinical social worker with emotionally disturbed youth and then was promoted to a trainer/ parenting educator for foster parents of difficult children.

Ami began her interest in working with abused children who are in the foster care system and the many different behavioral disorders they manifest. She utilizes many different therapeutic techniques and has received special training in clinical play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy. Ami has a special clinical interest in: Attachment Disorder in children, child abuse and neglect, and the effects of domestic violence on children. Ami Grace also did work for the Women’s Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County where she facilitated groups for women affected by domestic violence. She also created and implemented a counseling support group for children and teens in an elementary and junior high school in San Luis Obispo who were affected by domestic violence. Ami has worked as an independent school counselor/therapist for the Paso Robles Unified School District for the last three years and has currently shifted her work to a private therapy practice in North County specializing in children, teens and families. Ami also has a special interest in adoption social work and is currently contracted with the Independent Adoption Agency in the Bay Area. She conducts independent adoption home studies for families on the central coast who are interested in adopting infants. Ami enjoys mountain biking on the central coast, as well as yoga on her free time and teaches a yoga class at the San Luis Obispo Yoga Centre. Ami is an animal lover and advocate for homeless animals. When she isn’t enjoying time with her two dogs, Sadie and Lulu, both animal shelter rescues, she is volunteering at the Animal Services Division where she blends her social work skills and love for animals by matching up people and homeless animals to create a special partnership