Who makes up your family, and what if you all enjoy doing together?
Amy: My husband Brandon and I have lived in Auburn for 16 years. We moved for my husband’s job in 2009. He is a retired pastor and now works as the Director of Client Relations at Bailey Harris Construction.
I am an Occupational Therapist for Auburn City Schools. I’ve been practicing OT for 20 years. I started in Auburn City Schools in 2011, so I’ve had the privilege of walking through school with many kids. I treat kids ages K-graduation.
We have two daughters, Olivia “Livi” (15) and Elliot “Elle” (10). Livi is a varsity cheerleader and sophomore at Auburn High School. Elle dances as a company member at Variations and plays the piano. She is a 5th grader at Creekside, where she is an ambassador and in the drama club and choir. We love to travel, spend time together as a family, and cheer on our Auburn Tigers. We love all things Auburn; we are blessed to be a part of this great city.
What is the most rewarding part of motherhood for you?
Amy: The most rewarding part of motherhood is that while I’m teaching my kids and trying to help them grow, they are actually teaching me so much more! Sometimes, growth feels like a big accomplishment, and sometimes, it’s painful. But either way, I know that motherhood has grown me like nothing has before.
How do you handle feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
Amy: My answer will always be to pray first! After that, I’d say I handle it by making a list. I’m very Type A, so I have more lists on my phone than I’d like to admit. When I’m overwhelmed, writing it down helps me prioritize and tackle things in order and get my stress under control.
How do you navigate challenging conversations with your girls?
Amy: Someone told me a long time ago that if your kids are talking, you’re winning. I’ve really tried to adopt this idea and teach my girls that they can talk to me about anything and vice versa. So I really welcome any conversation with them.
AOP: How do you teach your children about self-love and self-care?
Amy: I teach my girls that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to learn what being filled up looks like for yourself and how to accomplish that. It looks different for both of them and changes from time to time. But we can’t love others well if we don’t love ourselves first and take care of ourselves. We have to be intentional with our health—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
What advice would you give other parents who are navigating their parenting journey?
Amy: My advice would be don’t do it alone. I have so many moms that I observe, go to for advice and encouragement, troubleshoot with, and so on. Since my girls are over four years apart in age, there’s also a wide range of moms in my circle. But I always make sure I have a few moms who are a season ahead of me to get wisdom from.
What is one thing you want your children to remember about you?
Amy: I want them to remember that I was their safe place—no matter if they are having a great day and thriving in what they are doing, or if they are struggling, or if a friend hurts them, or if they make a big mistake. I want them to remember that they could always come to me for support and love that is unconditional.
Rapid Fire Questions:
- Summer or Winter? Summer
- What is your favorite color? Gold
- Quiet Nook or Large Gathering? Quiet Nook
- Dream vacation location? Hawaii
- One word to describe yourself? Organized
Amy Isbell has been married to her husband, Brandon, for 22 years, and together, they have two daughters. Amy works full-time for Auburn City Schools. Ubering their daughters everywhere and being part of all their extracurricular activities brings her the most joy in this season.
Author: Staff
It is our pleasure to serve you and your family as the Wiregrass's #1 Resource for local families.
