Amy Coddington-Burnett has worked at Paul Smith’s College since 2017, bringing to campus a blend of hospitality expertise, creative arts experience, and student-centered mentorship. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree through Virginia Tech and Paul Smith’s College and has built a dynamic career across museums, hotels, restaurants, and educational organizations, including The Boston Children’s Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the Phillips Collection, Teaching Strategies, Lake Placid Lodge, and the Village of Will Rogers.
With deep roots in the hospitality industry, Amy worked her way from bussing tables to managing front-of-house teams in restaurants and hotels, developing a wide range of skills along the way. At Paul Smith’s College, Amy was initially hired as the Front-of-the-House Trainer in the Ganzi Training Restaurant, and taught alongside Chef McCarthy. She now also works with Chef Marlyse Waskiewicz to hire, train, and manage students who operate the A.P. Smith’s Bakery; oversees ordering and Shipping & Receiving; and has taught courses such as First-Year Seminar, Mixology, Art/Collage, and Improvisation for Life Skills.
When she is not on campus, she takes advantage of what the Adirondack Region has to offer. She is a 46er, has completed the 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Classic, co-guides youth canoe and camping trips with her husband, enjoys biking, gardening and most anything in nature. She is also involved in both staged productions and Improvisation Theater. She loves to cook, create art, write, tell stories, travel, laugh and spend time with her family–both human and furry.
In reflecting on her experience at Paul Smith’s College, Amy says, “I love to share the diverse life experiences I have had with the students at Paul Smith’s College. The opportunity to have one-on-one, face-to-face connection gives students the space to fully engage, build their confidence and become solid citizens in both the world and workforce.”