Amy Kim Waschke

Biography

My name is Amy Kim Waschke and I am an actor, writer, and administrator. I grew up in Bellingham, WA and currently split my time between Seattle and Los Angeles. I am a Husky through and through. I attended the University of Washington for my undergraduate degree and received my MFA from UW’s Professional Actor Training Program. I have performed Off Broadway and in theaters across the country, including six seasons as a company member at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I have also appeared on some popular TV shows including Magnum PI, NCIS: Los Angeles, Mythic Quest and more. When I'm not acting, I work as a public speaking coach for which I am certified in Everything DISC, an assessment model that helps increase communication and understanding between different personality types. I am also writing a book of essays about my experience as a Korean Adoptee in America with fellow transracial adoptees. I am so pleased to be part of the LSA team and look forward to engaging with the neurodivergent community.

What are some of your special interests?

I spend a lot of time performing, seeing, and supporting theater. For me, there is no better art form to explore the human condition. I love that it is live. I love that it is ephemeral. I love that it regularly teaches me something new. I love that it can move me to laughter or tears. I love it!

I really enjoy cooking and baking. To my mind, it is one of life's greatest pleasures to spend a whole day in the kitchen. I love to braise a beautiful piece of meat until it falls off the bone, or pinch butter into flour for pie dough, or toast spices in oil for a curry, or toss a colorful salad with my hands, or crack an egg into a spicy bowl of tofu stew. I also enjoy sharing what I make with the ones I love and regularly categorize recipes as GW (Guest Worthy) or NGW (Not Guest Worthy). If I didn't find a life in the theater, I would have gone into the food/hospitality industry.

What can clients expect when they meet you for the first time?

I want to meet each of our clients with warmth, empathy and authenticity. These initial conversations should feel low risk, open and informative. I appreciate how LSA focuses on the individual, taking into account each person's unique needs and goals. I will uphold this same standard in all client discovery meetings, so that each person walks away feeling seen, heard and, hopefully, optimistic about their next steps.

What does it mean to you to be the first point of contact for individuals and families interested in coaching with LSA?

I recognize that seeking change can sometimes feel daunting or uncomfortable. It is a brave step to look for resources and ask for support when you or a loved one is struggling. If I can help with that transition; if I can make your initial introduction to LSA feel safe; if I can be a small part of helping you or your loved one find more agency and self-reliance in life, that is meaningful work.

How do you help potential clients feel safe and heard throughout the discovery process?

As an actor and speaker coach, the lion share of my work is about deep listening, staying present, and being curious about people. It is never ever about judgement or about myself. (If it is, it results in atrociously bad acting and unhelpful coaching.) In discovery sessions, I want to hear from you. I will ask you some questions to which there are no right answers. If you need time to think, to formulate a thoughtful response, I want you to take that time. The discovery process is truly about you. I am there to receive what you want to tell me and then share some information about our services.

What is your ultimate goal for every client you interact with at LSA?

My goal for every client is that they find the help that they need. Whether it is with one of our incredible Executive Functioning Coaches or another resource provider.

Which of LSA's core values resonates the most with you?

Bravery In Advocacy is the LSA Core Value that resonates the most with me. I see it every day when I meet with potential clients in their Discovery Meetings as they take their steps towards self-advocacy. For many of them it's uncomfortable to ask for support or stretch themselves in a new direction and yet they do! They allow themselves to be vulnerable when expressing their fears and challenges; they drop the mask and show me their authentic selves; and they articulate what they need to achieve their goals. It's very human and brave and inspiring. I am lucky to witness it.