Trauma-Informed External Investigator

Amber’s practice focuses on conducting neutral, external investigations for institutions of higher education, K-12 schools, sports organizations, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Amber is highly skilled at conducting trauma-informed virtual and in-person investigations involving students, faculty, personnel, coaches, athletes, and minors. Amber’s approachable demeanor along with her ability to maintain composure in difficult and emotional situations aids in her ability to conduct thorough, unbiased investigations. Amber is regularly called upon to handle complex, sensitive, and high stakes reports of bias, harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, stalking, and intimate partner violence.

Amber has received extensive education in trauma-informed interviewing, Title IX, and federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Amber has also assisted educational institutions on all aspects of employment and student matters, including preventative training, policy development, and compliance issues. Her background in employment and education law allows her to approach investigations and resolutions with a strong understanding of mandated policies and procedures.

Alternative Resolution Facilitator

Amber is also a skilled facilitator of alternative resolutions outside of the formal conduct process. With training in Restorative Justice, Amber approaches informal resolutions with an eye toward healing and reconciliation. Amber’s warm, levelheaded, and non-judgmental approach encourages open communication through a voluntary, participatory, and trauma-informed process of accountability. A direct descendent of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik, Amber’s diverse background, including her experience working with immigrant communities, extensive world travel and fluency in Spanish, aids her ability to understand different perspectives and navigate complex issues toward shared resolution.

Additional Experience

• Serving as an external Appeal Officer

• Serving as an external Hearing Advisor

• Volunteer for Restorative Justice Project Maine

• Volunteer for Maine’s Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP)

• Board member of the Maine Justice Foundation

• Co-chair of the Maine Association for Public Interest Law

• Judicial extern for the Honorable Kermit Lipez, at the U.S. Court of Appeals First Circuit

• Coordinator for the University of Vermont’s study abroad program in Oaxaca, Mexico

• English professor at Universidad Regional del Sureste in Oaxaca, Mexico

Education

JD, University of Maine School of Law, magna cum laude

BA, University of Vermont

Admitted to Practice

• State of Maine

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts