Amber Leyba-Castle is the NAMI Idaho Young & Well coordinator. In this role, she establishes two different models of support groups around the state. For ages 12-17, the Rosebuds program she created, which has a foundation of the Community Resiliency Model. This support group is peer-led, activity-based and teaches students wellness skills while focusing on advocacy, support and education related to mental health. Amber also focuses on establishing support groups for ages 18-25 on the collegiate level to decrease stigmatization of mental health conditions on college campuses around the state.

Amber has a personal story to share, along with the ability to represent how NAMI’s signature programs can directly impact rural areas, youth and college-aged Idahoans. With support from the McNair program, Amber is working on a summer research project to evaluate cultural adaptiveness of the Rosebuds program. She is currently working towards a social work degree at Idaho State University.