What happens when your personal journey inspires a mission that touches thousands of lives? In this episode of Make Your Passion Pay, I'm joined by my dear friend and former coaching client, Amy Theisen Walz, founder and executive director of You're Not Alone;, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting student mental health through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. Amy shares her deeply personal journey with mental health, the experiences that shaped her family, and how the healing presence of a beloved dog inspired her to create something extraordinary. What began with one therapy dog, Willow Grace, visiting Monticello Middle School in 2021 has grown into an organization serving schools across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and beyond. Through consistent visits from therapy dog teams, You're Not Alone; creates welcoming spaces where students can experience connection, encouragement, and emotional support. We also reflect on our coaching journey together and how gaining clarity, creating an inspired strategic plan, and building Amy's wedding coordinating business, Amy's Cherished Events, helped her develop the confidence and foundation to bring her nonprofit vision to life. In this episode, you'll discover: How Amy transformed her personal experiences into a meaningful mission supporting student mental healthThe powerful role therapy dogs can play in creating connection, comfort, and hopeHow clarity, commitment, and an inspired strategic plan can help turn a passion into realityWhy creating a strong business foundation can support a larger purposeThe importance of self-care, trusting God's timing, and creating space to reflectHow community support, collaboration, and generosity help meaningful missions growWays individuals, schools, and businesses can support You're Not AloneOne of my favorite takeaways from our conversation is the importance of allowing ourselves time to be still, gain clarity, and trust that things will unfold in their right and perfect timing. Amy's journey is a beautiful example of what becomes possible when we follow our hearts, embrace our purpose, and surround ourselves with people who believe in our vision. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about mental health awareness, entrepreneurship, nonprofit leadership, personal growth, faith, and turning your passion into meaningful impact. Let's make your passion pay! Support You're Not Alone Amy's mission is to help students feel seen, supported, and connected through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. You're Not Alone; partners with schools to provide consistent weekly visits from therapy dog teams, creating opportunities for meaningful connections and conversations about mental health. Interested in bringing a therapy dog team to your school, becoming a volunteer, or supporting the mission? Visit https://ynausa.org/ to learn more and connect with Amy. Individuals, businesses, and community organizations can also help expand the program through donations and sponsorships. During our conversation, Amy shares that approximately $2,500 can help establish a therapy dog team in a school. Every connection and act of generosity helps create more opportunities for students to experience hope, encouragement, and unconditional love. Meet Amy Amy Theisen Walz is the founder and executive director of You're Not Alone;, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting student mental health and creating welcoming, judgment-free spaces through the unconditional love of therapy dogs. An avid dog lover, vocalist, speaker, and passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Amy began sharing the love of her therapy dog, Willow Grace, at Monticello Middle School in October 2021. Following a successful pilot program, You're Not Alone; became a recognized nonprofit in June 2022. Inspired by her family's personal journey, Amy is committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and helping students and families find connection, understanding, and hope. Amy is also the owner of Amy's Cherished Events, a flourishing wedding coordinating business, where she brings her passion for serving others to life's special celebrations. Connect with Amy & You're Not Alone Connect with Amy to learn more about the organization's mission, volunteer opportunities, school partnerships, and ways to support student mental health. Website: https://ynausa.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourenotalone/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/187vLbmfxE/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourenotalonenp/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourenotalonenp Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnnB.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose! Thanks for tuning in! Remember to share and rate the episode if you enjoyed it. Don't forget to check out my website LuAnn.com and connect with me on Instagram and Facebook! Let's spread the joy and build thriving communities together. Keep pursuing your passion with purpose!
