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We sit with Amanda Ebner, St. Stephen's Episcopal's Head of School, to explore how empathy, follow-through, and honest feedback create safety for students, staff, and families. Stories from Germany, South Korea, and Texas show how culture becomes care and why belonging beats perfection.

• defining culture as daily safety for kids, parents, and staff
• co-regulation and why safety unlocks learning
• Amanda’s journey from military spouse to head of school
• earning trust through consistency and follow-through
• what diverse cultures teach about autonomy and support
• military transition counseling and advocacy for families
• measuring success by belonging, not report cards
• practical habits for confident kids and calm classrooms
• strong boundaries that protect the greater good
• the case against screens and clear school policies
• leadership playbook: listen, invite feedback, act with courage

Show Guest:

Amanda Ebner is an educator, school leader, and counselor whose work is rooted in a deep love for children, families, and the relationships that help them thrive. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Alabama, Amanda has spent her career walking alongside students through the academic, emotional, and social milestones of growing up.

Her professional journey has taken her across the globe. She completed her counseling supervision with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) at Kaiserslautern High School in Germany and later served as a school counselor at both Kaiserslautern High School and Seoul American Middle and High School in South Korea. In these roles, she supported military-connected students and families navigating cultural transitions, adolescence, and the complexities of life overseas.

Throughout her career, Amanda has served in a wide range of educational roles — including kindergarten teacher, school administrator, Military Transition Coordinator with the Military Child Education Coalition, and now Head of School at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Wimberley, a role she began in July 2019. Under her leadership, the school has experienced significant growth while remaining grounded in its commitment to relationship-centered education and whole-child development.

As a military spouse and mother of three daughters, Amanda brings both profes

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Couch Time with Cat isn’t therapy—it’s real conversation designed to support your journey alongside any personal or professional help you're receiving. If you're in emotional crisis or need immediate support, please get in touch with a professional or reach out to a 24/7 helpline like:

• US: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• UK: Samaritans at 116 123
• Australia: Lifeline at 13 11 14
• Or find local resources through findahelpline.com

You’re not alone. Let’s take this one honest conversation at a time.

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Show hosted by:

Catia Hernandez Holm, LMFT-A

Supervised by Susan Gonzales, LMFT-S, LPC-S

You can connect with Catia at couchtimewithcat.com

and

To become a client visit- catiaholm.com