S T A F F

Amy Hanson, Founder and instructor

Bryan Zell, Co-owner and inspiration

Walter Zell, Inspiration

Amy Hanson is a passionate advocate, storyteller, and systems-change leader whose work is rooted in lived experience and fueled by an unwavering belief in the power of community. As a parent who has navigated the complex and often broken systems surrounding mental health, addiction, and education, Amy brings a rare blend of personal insight, fierce compassion, and relentless curiosity to the fight for better outcomes for families.

She believes stories can be more than personal—they can be catalysts for action. Through her writing, speaking, and advocacy, Amy challenges the status quo, inviting leaders, providers, and policymakers to listen differently, act boldly, and build systems that truly work for the people they serve.

A lifelong learner and lover of art in all forms, Amy finds grounding on long solo hikes, inspiration in her well-worn vinyl collection, and clarity in the mountains of Switzerland, her spiritual home. Her guiding truth, both personal and political:
“We all do better when we all do better.”  Late Senator Paul Wellstone