Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Tyler.
Hi Amy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My first career was in chemical engineering, where I developed a love for problem-solving and understanding how systems work. While earning my engineering degree at The University of Texas at Austin, I noticed that I couldn’t live the typical college lifestyle and still perform at my best with such a demanding course load. What I ate, how much I slept, and whether I exercised had a profound impact on my energy, focus, and overall well-being. This sparked a deep interest in nutrition and lifestyle medicine, which ultimately led me to Bastyr University in Seattle, where I earned my doctorate in naturopathic medicine.
After graduating from Bastyr, I returned to Texas eager to put my training to work. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) receive extensive education in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, nutrition, lifestyle medicine, prevention, and evidence-based natural therapies. In many states, NDs are licensed as primary care providers, where they may perform physical exams, prescribe medications, manage acute and chronic conditions, and provide guidance on nutrition, lifestyle, stress management, and non-drug therapies. Because Texas is one of the states that does not currently license NDs, many people here are unfamiliar with the profession. For more than 15 years, I’ve served on the board of the Texas Association of Naturopathic Doctors, working to bring licensure to Texas so families have greater access to this holistic approach to healthcare.
When I returned to Austin, I worked with many young families and was struck by how many children were struggling with mood, sleep, focus, and energy. My observations mirrored what researchers were documenting- rising rates of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and other mental health challenges among children and adolescents. While these issues are complex and have many contributing factors, I saw firsthand how improving nutrition, hydration, sleep, and movement could make a meaningful difference in a child’s quality of life.
Years later, when I became a mother, I gained a new appreciation for how challenging it can be to nourish children in today’s world. Busy schedules, grocery stores filled with highly processed foods, constant marketing to children, screens competing for attention, and the pressures of balancing work and family life all make healthy habits harder than they used to be. I also realized that many parents hadn’t been taught how nutrition affects a child’s developing brain, or how to put that knowledge into practice in ways that fit the demands of everyday family life.
I founded Blazing Brains to provide realistic strategies that help families support their children’s brain health through everyday nutrition and lifestyle habits. I believe parents don’t need to strive for perfection – they need trustworthy information, practical tools, and guidance in making small, consistent changes that can make a lasting difference.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to wear a lot of different hats. My background is in science and medicine, not marketing, website design, or creating digital content, so I’ve had to learn an entirely new set of skills along the way. From building a website and creating online resources to learning video editing, email marketing, and social media, there has been a steep learning curve.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A big part of my work is helping families cut through the overwhelming and often conflicting information around nutrition and instead focus on incremental changes that support their children’s development and well-being.
What I’m most known for is making the science accessible. Parents often tell me that what sets my approach apart is that it is both grounded in research and realistic for real family life.
What I’m most proud of is seeing families experience meaningful changes from small shifts: improvements in mood, better sleep, increased focus, and more stable energy. Those day-to-day improvements often add up to a significant difference in a child’s quality of life.
Any big plans?
What I’m most excited about right now is the Blazing Brains Nutrition Academy that I’m building. It’s an online course for families covering comprehensive topics related to nutrition and brain health, including blood sugar regulation, hydration, brain-supportive nutrients, nutrient deficiencies, food additives, and nutritional supplements.
I’m also excited to continue sharing Food Bingo Game, an interactive tool I developed to help children explore new foods in a fun, low-pressure way.
In addition, I look forward to more speaking engagements with schools and businesses on the topic of nutrition and brain health for both children and adults. Whether it’s a school PTA or a business wellness program, the topic resonates with a lot of different audiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blazingbrainskids.com/learn
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazing.brains/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blazingbrainskids
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytylernd
- Other: https://www.foodbingogame.com
