Amber Buchheit — Speaker

About the speaker

Leading with love, nurturing what's possible

Amber's role at LUME aligns with her passion and purpose to lead with love, nurture emotional development, cultivate resilience, and inspire hope to transform systems. Amber has a love for learning and is deeply committed to her own growth and development. She is energized and motivated through collective brainstorming and reflection with her teammates, educators, and community partners.

Amber characterizes herself as a perfectly imperfect, tender-hearted "squiggle," who is practicing letting go, looking on the bright side, and living a happier, healthier, connected & balanced life. Amber describes her newest way of being as "illuminated—like an afterglow—when the sun has set but the light and array of colors that remain in the sky become more magical with time."

What Amber is teaching

Three sessions, three different conversations

Each one builds on the same throughline: how the internal work shapes the systems we lead.

March 2 Monday 10:00 – 11:30 AM

Workforce Development & Staff Well-Being

Embracing Imperfection: Rewriting the Story of Failure

What if failure wasn't something to fear, but a necessary ingredient for growth? This presentation explores how setbacks, missteps, and disappointments can become powerful catalysts for innovation, resilience, and long-term success. Through real-world stories and insights, we'll uncover how embracing failure can unlock your greatest potential.

Room Madrigal · 3rd Floor

Format In-person workshop

Co-presenting with JMJason Mercer · LUME Institute

March 3 Tuesday 8:00 – 9:30 AM

Leadership & Program Culture

From Me to We: Shifting Our Internal System

Every individual operates within an internal system shaped by our beliefs, values, and ways of being. This session explores how shifting that system, from one rooted in ego and separation to one grounded in connection and wholeness, can transform how we show up in our work and relationships. By cultivating love, belonging, and appropriate power within, we lay the foundation for meaningful change in the systems around us.

Room Palmar B and C · 3rd Floor

Format In-person workshop

Co-presenting with MWMeghan Whitworth · Senior Director, LUME Institute

March 4 Wednesday 1:00 – 4:30 PM

Mental Health & Family Support

Connected & True: The Intersection of Attachment and Authenticity

We are hardwired for connection — connection to ourselves (authenticity) and to others that we emotionally bond with (attachment). The absence of connection impacts our mental and physical wellbeing and can lead to unhealthy substitutes and coping mechanisms. In this interactive session, we will explore our individual attachment style and examine the role it plays in us showing up as our honest and true self.

Room Olas · 3rd Floor

Format Interactive · 3.5 hours

Co-presenting with RSRoxeanna Steiner · LUME Institute

Tracks Amber spans

Three frames, one through-line

Workforce Development & Staff Well-Being

Recruiting, developing, and retaining a skilled workforce while promoting mental health, morale, and growth. Aligned with HSPPS 1302.90–.92 and Head Start Act §648A.

Leadership & Program Culture

Strengthening leadership practices, strategic planning, and organizational culture to better support children, families, and staff. Aligned with HSPPS 1302.101–.102 and Head Start Act §642.

Mental Health & Family Support

Supporting family well-being, trauma-informed practices, social services, and partnerships that strengthen family stability. Aligned with HSPPS 1302.45, .50–.53 and Head Start Act §642B.

See Amber live

Join us at HSE LIVE

Catch Amber's three sessions and 60+ others from leaders shaping the future of Head Start. Limited seating — register early.

Register for HSE LIVE See Amber's sessions

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