From Students to Patients: How Amy Moore Found Her Path to Counseling
Amy Moore’s career as a counselor began, like most, in college. But not as a student. Instead, it was because of students.
Working at Lamar State College Orange for the last 12 years, Amy spent time in roles that supported the college in different ways. From workforce development to marketing to student life to student care, she saw the institution from multiple angles. But it was not until she began working directly with students that something shifted.
“When I moved into student life, that was when I really, really got to engage more with students,” she said. “And honestly, that felt like the job that I was supposed to have at Lamar Orange to show me where I could make the most difference for our students.”
That role gave her a front-row seat to the reality many students were facing outside the classroom. What she saw changed how she understood support, success, and what people truly need to move forward.
“We had a student who came to me and she said, ‘My electricity’s been cut off. I have no water at my house. I have a daughter,” Amy said. “So it was like, well, of course your anatomy class is not important to you because you’re sweating in your dark apartment at night.”
Moments like that made it clear that helping people required more than programs or activities. It required understanding the full picture of their lives – holistically helping students reach their goals.
“It was really understanding who our students are, what their challenges are, and then working with them,” she said. “There’s so much more that can be done to help these students than just events.”
That realization led Amy to pursue graduate studies and eventually transition into counseling, where she could do deeper, more meaningful work with individuals navigating complex challenges.
A Natural Fit at TAN Healthcare
Amy’s connection to TAN Healthcare began years before she officially joined the team Monday, May 4, as a LPC-Associate.
Having began her professional life in journalism, she was already familiar with the organization’s presence in the community. Later, as a member of Leadership Southeast Texas, she met TAN Healthcare CEO Dena Hughes, a moment that left a lasting impression.
“She was the brightest spot of my LSET experience – getting to meet her and hear about TAN,” Amy said.
When it came time to find a practicum placement, Amy knew exactly where to go.
“She was the first call that I made when I needed to find a practicum site,” she said.
What started as a student placement in 2024 grew into something more. After completing her practicum and internship, earning her license, and continuing on as a contract counselor, Amy is now a full-time member of the TAN Healthcare Team.
Her decision was not just about opportunity. It was about alignment.
“I was always impressed with just the fact that they are there for any and everyone,” she said. “It doesn’t matter, they’re going to help you.”
Meeting People Where They Are
Today, Amy works with patients facing a wide range of challenges, and from a wide range of ages. She works with clients as young as 8 years old and has a client in their 80s.
“We’ve got a lot of depression and anxiety,” she said. “A lot of what I’ve seen is a lot of trauma-related issues that have never been addressed.”
Her approach is rooted in connection, something she traces back to her early career.
“When you’re a journalist, you’re talking to people at sometimes the worst moments of their lives,” she said. “You have to make people feel comfortable. You have to meet them where they are.”
That same philosophy guides her work in counseling today.
“I tell people, this is that one hour this week that you get to be the star of the show,” she said.
For those who may feel hesitant about starting counseling, Amy offers simple reassurance.
“The fact that you’re even thinking about it is a huge win and a step in the right direction,” she said. “You just got to walk through the door.”
A Life Rooted in Family and Community
Outside of work, Amy’s life is centered around her family and community. She and her husband of 24 years, Andrew, have built a life in Southeast Texas, raising three children (ages 23, 18, and 16) and staying involved in the activities that matter most to them.
“A typical day is usually whatever activity my kids are involved in,” she said. “I also like to go out and do community events, be a part of things.”
That connection to community carries into her professional life as well, shaping how she shows up for the people she serves.
Doing the Work, Wherever It’s Needed
Even as she steps into her full-time role at TAN Healthcare, Amy continues her commitment to serving others across multiple spaces. She will remain connected to Lamar State College Orange and continues to see patients at another facility outside of her work with TAN.
At the core of her work is a belief that growth takes intention, reciting a quote she once read that’s left a lasting impact.
“There’s no comfort in the growth zone and there’s no growth in the comfort zone,” she said.
Amy is supervised by Larneka Lavalais, LPC-S.
