Amie Koontz, MS, CHMC, LMT
1788 Gibou Rd ~ Montgomery Center ~ Vermont ~ 05471
802-327-3720
soulshineintegrative@gmail.com
Education
- Northern Vermont University – MS Clinical Mental Health and Addictions Counseling 2021 Master’s Thesis – Interpersonal Synchronization: The Biology of Connection
- Journey Dance – Level 2 Guide 2021/22
- Inspired Yoga – 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training 2020/21
- Apprentice Addictions Professional – Certification 2009
- National Institute of Massotherapy – Clinical Massage Therapy
- Licensure in Clinical Massage Therapy, Ohio State Medical Board 1999
- Specialized training and Certification in Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy & Applied Kinesiology, Orthobionomy & Neurolymphatics, and Craniosacral Therapy
- Goshen College – BA Psychology and Counseling 1997
- Additional studies – Natural Science (pre-med focus). Overseas study/service term in Multicultural Studies and Language in Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa
Additional training in Gender Studies, Human Sexuality, Cultural Competency, Trauma, Neuroscience, Mindfulness, Somatic Work, Polyvagal Theory, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Health Education, Social Emotional Development, Music and Art.
Professional experience
- Therapist, Educator, Consultant – SoulShine Integrative Wellness, LLC
- Provide holistic, integrative somatic therapy, yoga and journey dance for trauma recovery, facilitate mindfulness groups. Present at schools, organizations and in community spaces on Mindfulness, Boundaries, Trauma and Self-Regulation, Consent, Equity and Inclusivity, Deconstructing Privilege, Connection and Communication. Provide comprehensive sex and sexuality education for adults “Comprehensive Sex Ed for Adults”, organizations and in schools (all ages). Facilitate development of school and organizational programs addressing the above topics and train staff and administration to implement programs. 2021-Present
- Health and Wellness Educator – Enosburg Falls Middle and High School
- Taught Health and Comprehensive Sex Education, Get Fit (yoga, mindfulness and integrative nutrition), Human Development and Relationships, and Risk and Resilience (in grades 9-12) and 9th grade academy (acclimating to high school and building transferable skills for school and life), GSA coordinator and LGBTQ+ advocate 2017-2021
- Student Assistance Counselor (SAP) and Wellness Educator – St. Albans Town Educational Center
- Taught and co-taught evidence based prevention curriculum, Mindfulness and Self-Regulation skills in grades K- 8. Developed and co-taught a whole health, skills based scope and sequence and curriculum for grades K-12. Provided educational materials and opportunities for staff, students and parents. Supported students individually and facilitated or co-facilitated Educational Counseling Support groups and Empowerment Groups including VKAT (VT Kids Against Tobacco), LGBTQ and Social Thinking. Provided early substance abuse and mental health screening and referrals grades K-12. Facilitated Service Learning Opportunities for youth. School PBiS Coordinator. Active member of School Leadership, High Risk, VSHEP and PBIS teams. Presented “How to work Mindfulness into the everyday classroom” at Conferences and inservices. 2008-2017
- Executive Director – Montgomery Teen Center (The Basement), Montgomery, VT
- Collaborated with Youth to develop the youth center program. Provided counseling and referrals. Supported youth and families. Collaborated with schools and area agencies. Provided community service, social and personal growth activities for youth. 2007-2009
- JOBS and Youth Development Counselor/Coordinator – Northwestern Counseling Support and Services
- Worked one on one with youth ages 15-21 in DCF custody to develop life skills and prepare them to transition into their own care. Ran a weekly life skills group. Coordinated with DCF, families, foster parents, schools and other social service organizations to insure that client’s needs were being met. Case managed for youth 18 and over as they transitioned out of DCF custody. Managed extended care agreements. 2006-2007
- Adult Education Program Developer and Coordinator – Cold Hollow Career Center, Enosburg Falls, VT
- Developed and ran the adult education program at a technical career center. Arranged classes, recruited teachers and students, designed program materials, set up free social service and community interest educational opportunities and worked with students directly. 2003-2005
- Outreach Education Coordinator/Crisis Counselor – Clarina Howard Nichols Center, Lamoille County, VT
- Developed and implemented the program, “Building Healthy Relationships”, and anti-violence, anti-bullying/bias and relationships and communication skills program for kindergarten through high school aged children. Provided college and graduate school trainings, and community and conference presentations. Was responsible for training employees and board members of on violence and advocacy related issues. Worked on the crisis hotline and provided emergency advocacy and direct service to women and children inside and outside of the shelter. Developed the Teen Healthy Relationships workbook used and distributed throughout the states of Vermont and New Hampshire. 2000-2002
- Myofascial Therapist – Get Well: Multidisciplinary Osteopathic Practice, South Burlington, VT
- Practiced Myofascial and Neuromuscular therapy as part of a team approach to chronic and post traumatic pain. The team included an Osteopath, radiologist, physical therapist, acupuncturist and psychologist. 1998-2000
- Director – Mennoheim Respite Care Facility of Mennonite Disabilities Project, Goshen, Indiana
- Responsibilities included hands on care of guests with a wide range of disabilities (Physical, Developmental, Mental Health related and co-occurring), training staff, management of Respite Care and development of two “halfway houses” for autistic adults and people living with TBI co-living with neurotypical roomates. 1992-1996
My practice is governed by the Rules of the Vermont Allied Mental Health Professionals. It is unprofessional conduct to violate those rules. A copy of the rules may be obtained online at http://vtprofessionals.org
SoulShine Integrative Wellness VT 