Amy Rivas, MSW

Amy Rivas is currently an advisor at Communities in Schools (CIS), where she works in partnership with various school districts across the country in the implementation of integrated student supports. She was previously a County Consultant at the Academy for Professional Excellence, where she partnered with Southern California counties to deliver Child Welfare Development Services (CWDS). Additionally, Amy has served as an adjunct professor for masters-level social work students in California; her teaching philosophy uses a critical race theory and intersectionality framework to support student learning. Over the last decade, Amy has worked in both nonprofit and government organizations across Los Angeles and San Diego County, specifically in child welfare and K-12 educational systems. Through her professional experience, she has a broad range of direct-service and research experience centered on supporting children, youth, and families.  Amy received both her MSW with a specialization in Public Child Welfare and B.A in Sociology and Education Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).