When I first catch a glimpse of Amber she is gracefully navigating the crooked, but charming sidewalk bricks on King Street – in four-inch heels, maybe five. If it were me, one of my heels would be stuck in a crack and I’d be calling for help, but she glides over, making the walk look effortless. 

When Katelin Moomau nominated her for Street Style, she shared that Amber was someone you would instantly want to be friends with, and I agree. She is friendly, whip smart and down for whatever – including darting down an alleyway (in said heels) to find the perfect door as a backdrop for our photographer Renée. 

Being a doctor of psychology who primarily works with children, Amber is easy to talk to and passionate about helping others. She moved here in 2017 for a job as a school psychologist, and recently opened her own practice, Aptivate Educational and Psychological Solutions in Alexandria. In her role as school psychologist she encountered more and more clinical cases and it piqued her interest to serve in a different capacity, and have more say in children’s treatment and their diagnoses. She sought out a clinical training postdoctoral residency at a private practice, The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment on Prince Street, which she successfully completed.

Her family has been very supportive and her mother joined her team to become director of operations. “I’ve always had an interest in working with children, a passion for me. I had a really great childhood and I felt if I were able to improve and make a difference in a child’s life, it’s giving back to the community and paying it forward. Children are our future, who better to support than them?” In addition to counseling, her small group practice also provides educational and speech services.

When not working to make the world a better, more empathetic place, Amber can be found doing “sporty and competitive things,” and she quickly rattles off a fun list, “laser tag, air hockey, shuffleboard, Sky Zone.” Her style is so adaptable, that it’s easy to imagine she looks just as chic while pushing a plastic hockey puck across its surface as she does during an office visit.

Amber will soon switch up those heels for sleek fall boots and a sweater, while sipping a pumpkin spice chai tea latte – she made for herself. Check out her Street Style. 

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Kingstowne

What is your hometown? Wilkes-Barre, PA (near Scranton, PA). Yes, I was raised near The Office headquarters.

What would surprise people about you? I know nearly every party line dance and will dance at every occasion where the songs are played.

Favorite book or movie: The Hunger Games trilogy 

Guilty Pleasure: Panera’s Kitchen Sink cookie

Latest binge-watch: Hannibal (the TV series)  

Bucket list travel destination: Egypt

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Classic and comfortable

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: My black and white shirt dress

Favorite trend: Bootcut jeans

Beauty product you can’t live without: My tinted lip gloss

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Boots (but flats are my favorite go-to because I work with children)

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Listen to my favorite podcasts

Most fun way to stay active: Doing fitness challenges with my family and friends

Wellness goal: Run a 5K in the next 6 months

Want to try: Playing golf

Proudest wellness achievement: Becoming a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My dining room, because I love to eat.

Antiques, modern, or a mix? Modern

Last item bought for your home: An aloe vera plant

Favorite way to entertain: Game night

Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free

Next planned purchase: Juicer (so I can try out new fruit and veggie combinations)

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook?  I love that Alexandria Stylebook goes deeper than fashion. Reading the personal anecdotes of Street Style, Best of Alexandria features, and various articles brings to life the thriving and eclectic community of Alexandria.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: The Old Town Alexandria Waterfront

Your go-to shop: Trader Joe’s (because they have a great plant selection and it’s right around the corner from my office). 

Best food spot: Virtue Feed & Grain

Favorite local organization: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: I most look forward to the Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival because I enjoy seeing fellow artists working in a variety of media. I hope to showcase my artwork at a future festival.