Meet Amy Pool – Grant Halliburton Foundation’s Thrive strategy manager. Amy brings more than 30 years of experience in education. She passionately supports the partners and educators who are committed to mental, social, and emotional health in educational environments.
Here are 10 things to know about Amy.
1. What was your first job?
My first job was babysitting. I had about three families that I practically adopted their kids. I was in their homes nearly every weekend and often times throughout the week.
2. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Staying in PJs until noon on a Saturday while watching old musicals such as My Fair Lady, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, or Mary Poppins. It’s a complete waste of time, but I love it.
3. What advice would you give to your teenage self?
”You are not the only one feeling awkward and unsure of yourself. In a few years you will see that all of this is preparing you for wonderful things to come. Confidence comes with experience, so take more risks and trust yourself.”
4. What’s your favorite movie scene and why?
One that instantly comes to mind is the scene from Mary Poppins when Bert the Chimney Sweep is entertaining people in the park. The sky grows dark, the wind changes direction and starts to blow harder. Bert gets very mysterious and quiet and says, “Winds in the east, mist coming in. Like somethin’ is brewin’ and ‘bout to begin. Can’t put me finger on what lies in store, but I fear what’s to happen all happened before.” This quote gives me a tingle because something exciting is about to happen. I love storms for this same reason – change, freshness, and adventure. I’m not a risk taker, but this quote always makes me think about the possibility.
5. What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I’ve kissed a pig, dressed a goat, and sung from the rooftops (literally) all in the name of drug prevention. Principals are known for doing crazy things to get the attention of students and what better reason is there for doing something silly.
“You are not the only one feeling awkward and unsure of yourself. In a few years you will see that all of this is preparing you for wonderful things to come. Confidence comes with experience, so take more risks and trust yourself. ”
6. What would you name the autobiography of your life?
What’s Next, Lord? As I said, I’m not a risk taker. My plans have always been safe and conservative. I look back on my life and see that the Lord prepared me for more adventure and greater experiences than I ever planned for myself. Every little thing prepared me for the next big thing. So even today, I wonder what I’m doing that is preparing me for something amazing tomorrow or next week or next year.
7. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
Road trips. I love to get in the car and start driving somewhere. I can’t help but have a plan for destination, lodging and such, but I love to find a wayward path to the destination.
8. What are your top three TV shows you’re streaming right now?
Midsommer Murders, Father Brown Mysteries and Rosemary and Thyme. I’m stuck on British mysteries.
9. Where’s your favorite travel destination and why?
My favorite destination is Tybee Island, Georgia. That was the first road trip I took with my mom and sister. We drove to Georgia to visit family and then went to Savanah for an adventure. Savanah was quaint and beautiful, but I never knew my mom loved the ocean and the beach so much until we went to Tybee. Now when I visit a beach it makes me think of her.
10. Why is Grant Halliburton Foundation’s mission important to you?
As an educator, I didn’t always know how to help a student who was struggling. I knew they were frustrated with themselves, with behaviors, with relationships, with peers, and with adults, but I didn’t understand trauma, anxiety, and depression in children. I thought that was just for adults.
Grant Halliburton Foundation has taught me so much about how to help a young person who is struggling. Now, I have the opportunity to help other educators through education and resources related to mental health. We offer hope to students, teachers, parents, and anyone else who’s struggling to manage their own emotions and mental well-being, as well as offer encouragement and support as they help their loved ones.
