Amy Freehafer is a career counselor for the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. Her responsibilities include helping students discern a major and career, interpreting and processing assessments, reviewing résumés and cover letters, four-year planning and co-supervising the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career Career Advisor Team.

She also serves as the point person for StrengthsQuest/StrengthsFinder through Gallup, and leads group processes for classes, student organizations and programs. She is also a member of the GROW Advisory Council through the Office of Multicultural Education.

Education

• MSW, social work, Grand Valley State University, 2012
• B.A., psychology and sociology with a minor in English, Hope College, 1985

Professional experience

Amy had over 20 years of experience working in human service areas including mental health, senior housing, substance abuse and criminal justice before returning to complete her graduate studies. She has a certification related to her work in substance abuse. While completing her masters, she had the opportunity to work for a full year in GVSU’s Counseling and Boerigter Center for Calling and Career.

She was a graduate assistant in the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at GVSU, as well as the School of Social Work. These roles included leading a research project, additional research support, admissions work and collaborative relationships with community agencies.

Why I love Hope

While attending graduate school, Amy fell in love with higher education and helping others find direction and purpose both personally and professionally. She chose Hope because she felt called to be here. She enjoys the unique ability at Hope to speak freely regarding the role spirituality and belief play in our lives and careers.

Amy is very passionate about the students and loves serving them. Hope gives her the chance to constantly learn and incorporate her faith in that process. She appreciates the quality of Hope’s faculty and staff and feels blessed to call them colleagues and friends.

Outside the college

Amy is married and has three adult children, twin granddaughters and two Shi Tzus that keep her very busy. She loves reading, cooking and watching HGTV and a wide variety of sports.

She is also a world traveler, having spent time studying abroad in high school, at Hope and at GVSU. In total, she has been to over 15 different countries and can't wait to explore more.