Why Acre Minds Exists

I’m Amanda Zubia, a former teacher with over a decade of experience in Texas public schools. I hold a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master of Public Health from Grand Canyon University.

Just over a year ago, I made the difficult decision to step out of the classroom. The overstimulation, constant expectations, and the growing weight of what educators are asked to carry had become too much. I loved teaching deeply, but I also knew I needed to care for my own well-being — a choice so many teachers are faced with today.

I believe creating a learning environment where students feel seen, respected, and empowered to succeed begins with the well-being of the educators who shape that space. When teachers are supported, grounded, and thriving, they can fully show up for their students. My approach centers the human behind the profession, because student success is directly connected to teacher wellness.

It was during my MPH program that I realized I wanted to bridge the gap between public education and public health, especially when it comes to teacher wellness. My capstone research focused on school-based mental health services and mindfulness-based interventions for teachers — a dual approach to reduce burnout, stress, and emotional exhaustion. The findings confirmed what so many of us already know: teachers are not okay. And when teachers aren’t okay, students aren’t either.

In addition to my work with Acre Minds, I also dedicate time to public health efforts around school safety, specifically campaigns that promote secure firearm storage to protect children. Supporting safer environments for students and teachers is deeply connected to educator well-being, and it’s one more way I work to reduce the burdens teachers face.

In the year since leaving the classroom, I’ve also worked in change management, gaining tools to understand how organizations grow and adapt. That perspective helps me design evidence-based, sustainable approaches to teacher support and wellness — so solutions can last, not just inspire in the moment.

Today, I bring my background in education, public health, and organizational change together to reimagine sustainable teaching practices, emotionally safe classrooms, and holistic educator wellness. Through Acre Minds, my goal is simple: to help teachers feel seen, valued, and supported — always rooted in wellness, and nurtured through community.