Amber Neubauer of Gilbert on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Amber Neubauer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Amber, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I would choose integrity. Intelligence and energy are both important, but without integrity, they can actually become liabilities. If someone is highly intelligent and energetic but lacks honesty or a moral compass, their actions can cause serious harm to a team or organization. With integrity at the core, intelligence is used wisely, and energy is directed productively.

That said, I see them as interconnected: integrity builds trust, intelligence allows for smart decisions, and energy ensures consistent follow-through. But integrity is the foundation—because without it, the other two don’t have lasting value.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amber Neubauer, and I lead Essential Therapy Solutions (ETS). ETS is an agency of providers dedicated to empowering families and their loved ones by enhancing their quality of life within our local communities. What makes ETS special is that our mission extends not only to the families we serve, but also to our team—we foster creativity, growth, and wellbeing for our staff. By embracing inclusion, we’ve built a collaborative environment where everyone can flourish and thrive.

My story is rooted in a passion for supporting families as they navigate the challenges of early childhood development, while also building sustainable systems that make services more effective and accessible. Today, our focus is on strengthening service coordination, introducing enhanced training through innovative approaches, and advancing policies that ensure every child and family has access to the quality care they deserve.

What excites me most is that our work has a ripple effect: when we support families in those earliest years, we’re not just addressing today’s needs—we’re shaping brighter futures

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds between people are often broken by a loss of trust—whether that comes from miscommunication, unmet expectations, or a lack of integrity. Once trust is damaged, even small misunderstandings can widen the gap.

What restores those bonds is intentional effort: honest communication, empathy, and consistency over time. But just as important, repair requires both parties to have the time and willingness to do the work together. Healing relationships isn’t instant—it takes patience, humility, and shared commitment. When actions align with words, and when forgiveness is offered and received, those bonds can not only be repaired but often become stronger than before.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
For a long time, like many people, I felt pressure to hide my struggles and present only the strong, polished version of myself. The turning point came when I realized that being open about challenges—whether personal or professional—wasn’t a weakness but a bridge. Sharing my story not only lightened my own load, it gave others permission to be real, too.

I started using that pain as power when I saw how it could fuel empathy, determination, and innovation in my work. Instead of asking, ‘Why did this happen to me?’ I began asking, ‘How can this experience help me connect with others, improve systems, and create better outcomes?’ That shift transformed obstacles into motivation and made me a stronger leader.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the bond between integrity and trust. Integrity is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching, and trust is the outcome when integrity is consistently practiced. Together, they form the foundation for every relationship—within our team, with families, and in the community. Protecting these values means being transparent, following through on commitments, and holding ourselves accountable. When integrity and trust are strong, people feel safe, collaboration thrives, and the impact of our work multiplies.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
I will never regret choosing to invest in people—whether that’s families we serve, children in their earliest years, or the team members I work alongside. Supporting someone’s growth, empowering them through challenges, or simply being present in a meaningful moment is always worth the effort.

I also won’t regret choosing integrity, even when it meant taking the more difficult path. Challenges may pass, but the trust and respect earned by doing the right thing remain. For me, integrity ensures that the impact of my decisions lasts well beyond the moment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etherapyaz.com
• Instagram: essential_therapy_solutions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberneubauer
• Facebook: Essential Therapy Solutions, LLC
• Youtube: @EssentialTherapySolutions