Abby Wills

Amy Rider King is an educator, artist, and community weaver whose work unfolds at the vibrant crossroads of performance art, social justice, and contemplative practice. With over two decades of experience, Amy has dedicated her life to nurturing student voice and co-creating spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued. Her approach is grounded in deep listening and a reverence for the inner lives of learners. She believes in honoring the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and brings a spirit of curiosity and intention to everything she does.

Amy's journey with the Acosta Institute began in 2021 and has been a source of enduring inspiration and reflection. She carries a long-standing commitment to trauma-informed pedagogy, somatic awareness, and equity-rooted learning. Her teaching is enriched by her deep appreciation for Indigenous wisdom, her own spiritual practice, and her work with students who navigate the margins of education systems. Amy’s unique gifts lie in her ability to integrate mindfulness, creative expression, and restorative justice into transformative educational experiences. As a caregiver, community member, and spiritual seeker, she embodies the possibility of leading with heart and holding space for collective healing.

During the Fellowship, Amy is eager to deepen her understanding of slow work, rest, and renewal as essential practices for sustainability in social change. She hopes to co-create a new rhythm for leadership—one that honors presence over performance and invites spaciousness as a radical act. Through collaboration, reflection, and shared learning, Amy seeks to contribute to a vibrant healing-centered community and to cultivate visionary offerings that integrate her years of practice, intuition, and care.