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Amy Freehafer started at Hope in 2012 and is currently a senior academic and career advisor in the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. She has been a certified Strengths Coach since 2018 and is also trained to interpret MBTI, Strong Interest Inventory, and PathwayU assessment tools. She has taught FYS and serves as a formal advisor to students and within the FOCUS and SOAR programs. Her specialty is around discernment of major and career paths, and she brings a clinical background to her work with students.

Education

• MSW, social work, Grand Valley State University, 2012
• B.A., psychology and sociology composite major with a minor in English, Hope College, 1989

Professional experience

Amy spent over 20 years in faith-based nonprofit human service in social work roles such as case management, program management, admissions, and marketing and education. All of these were in the Kent County area, where Amy built a large network of clinical and non-clinical professional relationships. She held Kent County Jail privileges as she completed assessments for treatment within the jail system. She has a passion for working with college students, older adults and those in the criminal justice system. DEI is very important to her and has been a part of her professional activities both at Hope and other community organizations. This work experience helps her be able to educate students about different helping fields as they discern their calling. She also spent a year at GVSU in counseling and career development, which helped her most prepare for her work at Hope.

Awards & Recognition

• Hope College Excellence in Advising Award, 2025

Why I love Hope

Amy loves working at Hope because of the sense of community with students and colleagues. Having done clinical and career related work at a public institution, she really values that faith can be a part of the discussion with students at Hope. She looks forward to seeing her colleagues both in her office and around campus, and  she values that collaborative work. The fact that Hope prioritizes DEI on campus is also very important to her. Guiding and serving students and alumni discerning their calling is what she’s most passionate about.

Outside the college

Amy is married, has three adult kids, four grandkids and two Shih Tzus: Milo and Mina. Their grandkids are close so they spend the night regularly with them and keep Amy busy between sporting activities and other school related events. She loves watching many different sports, and football is her favorite. She cheers for the Steelers, Bears and Eagles in pro football and for MSU in college football and basketball. Gardening keeps her grounded, and she loves making her yard beautiful for others to enjoy. She enjoys reading, and Nora Roberts is her favorite author.