Amanda Holbo – Instructional Assistant
Email: amanda@pinehurst.k12.or.us 

I’m Amanda Holbo. I graduated from Pinehurst School in 2006, and now serve at Pinehurst as an instructional assistant, library media specialist, and art and music instructor. I enjoy working in a small school community where I can support students in many different ways—whether that’s helping them discover a new book, exploring creativity through art and music, or encouraging them to try something new.

In addition, I am an instructor, youth counselor, and site supervisor with the Ashland Family YMCA, where I have served as an after-school care supervisor, preschool day camp counselor, all-ages archery instructor, overnight camp unit leader at Camp DeBoer, and K–8 art camp instructor. I’ve also been a horse camp counselor with Arrowhead Equestrian Center’s Summer Horse Adventures and Pony Playtime programs, and worked with the Rogue Valley Girl Scouts, Moonbow, and Kids Unlimited.

I hold USAA and NFAA Archery Instructor Level 1 certification. One of the things I love about archery is the life lesson it offers—once you release the arrow, you no longer control the outcome, and where it lands reflects the strength of your preparation and perseverance

Outside of school, many of my hobbies involve spending time outdoors—often with my dog. I enjoy equestrian sports, archery, roller skating, hiking, paddleboarding, gardening, baking, crocheting and other fiber arts, painting, drawing, playing music on guitar and mandolin, and of course, reading.

My philosophy when working with students is that strong communities are built by people who have personal responsibility, a solid sense of self, and the confidence to communicate. I try to model and encourage those qualities in my daily interactions. Everyone is learning how to be a person from scratch, and part of our job as educators is helping young people build their own “emotional toolkit” while remembering to show grace for the pace at which others are building theirs.

Andrew, Do NOT use blue text.  Thanks

Amanda Holbo wears many hats at Pinehurst—as Instructional Assistant, Library Media Specialist, and Art and Music Instructor—helping students dive into books, art, and music while sparking creativity and confidence. With over ten years of experience guiding youth, she blends learning with fun, from hands-on projects to games, building both skills and a strong sense of community along the way.

I work as an instructional assistant at Pinehurst School, where I support students and staff in the learning process and help create a school environment where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

I have worked in education for more than eight years, K-12, and have also spent 18 years volunteering with youth programs. Before coming to Pinehurst, I worked in several schools across Oregon including Ashland High School, North Lake School, Days Creek Charter School and Willow Wind as inclusion and instructional assistants with a special education focus, including diabetes support. I also coordinate SEL Critter Connections, a program that brings social-emotional learning experiences to interested schools.

My education and professional development reflect my interest in understanding how students learn and how to best support them. I completed two years of coursework in Early Childhood Development at Linn-Benton Community College and the School Mental and Behavioral Health Microcredential program through Southern Oregon University. My studies have focused on recognizing central nervous system states, supporting self-regulation and co-regulation strategies for effective learning.

Outside of work, I enjoy facilitating equine-assisted experiences that help people explore nervous system regulation in the presence of horses. I care deeply about cultivating a community that recognizes the sentient nature of animals and honors their role in connection and learning while I continue my own horsemanship journey. I also enjoy horseback archery, paddleboarding with Amanda and Mora, supporting my younger daughter, KC, as she navigates adolescent life, and riding the Harley with my husband, Mike.
My vision for Pinehurst is to create a safe environment where students learn to regulate, form relationships with themselves, staff and each other and the teaching interactions and materials feel safe for reasoning to happen.