AMANDA HOLBO

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.