I am an educator, an empath, a peace-maker middle child, a dreamer, and a doer. I love doing things to make people's lives better. I was born to serve. I also know I was born to elevate others and to teach them to have the courage and the tools to elevate themselves.

Years ago, when asked to create a quotable mantra that embodied my philosophy on life, I came up with this: "Life's obstacles have a unique way of leading us to our biggest dreams." You see, when you climb an obstacle (Visualize a mountain.), you are elevated to a higher level of self-awareness. It can be tough. It can be stressful. But, while you're digging for strength, you're also discovering who you are and what you are capable of. Climbing that mountain gives you a broader perspective of what's possible. If you never climb the mountain, you'll never see what's on the other side. You'd be surprised at how tough you really are. Never fear adversity. Face it head-on, and you'll find wonders within yourself - and all around you - that you never knew existed.

-Amy Binda, MSEd.