Amy Coffman is a native Missourian whose family’s roots run deep in Kansas City history. Amy’s Great-great grandmother, Elizabeth Brothers Swope, was the niece of Thomas H. Swope, the Kansas City philanthropist who donated the land for Swope Park.
Today, Amy and her husband, Jay Hardenbrook, both Democrats and proud residents of Waldo neighborhood, are members of Broadway United Methodist Church and the “Here’s Waldo” Home Owner’s Association. Amy and her sister Cortney are co-owners/directors of a small business franchise, “Stretch-n-Grow”, teaching health and fitness to preschoolers .
Amy was born in Smithville. David, Amy’s dad, is a retired public elementary school principal in Raytown, and Rose Mary Coffman, her mom, is a retired secretary for the Blue Springs school district. Amy and Cortney were raised in Blue Springs.
Devoted to education and global unity, Amy’s parents opened their home to foreign exchange students, growing the Coffman family to include Dominique from Switzerland, Manuela from South Africa, and Christian from Germany. Having so many international brothers and sisters inspired Amy to pursue her own educational travels. She graduated from Blue Springs High School and spent the following year in Norway as an American Field Service (AFS ) foreign exchange student on an island 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle.
After attending Northwest Missouri State University for a year, Amy accepted another opportunity to learn and travel. She spent six months in Australia before moving to Alaska to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where she graduated with honors earning a degree in linguistics.
Domestic and international travel reinforced an already strong passion for social justice and public policy. Fueled by her desire to work for progressive change within the political arena, Amy became involved in Democratic politics, working for candidates and legislators.
Before ending her stay and heading home to Kansas City, Amy advanced to the position of Chief of Staff to the House Democratic Minority leader. The position demanded that she regularly mediate disputes between and among legislators even across the party aisle. In addition Amy worked with elected officials to develop and implement legislative strategy. Furthermore, Amy served as a point person who provided information for constituents and various groups.
Alaska was good to Amy, but it wasn’t home. She eagerly returned to Kansas City with her husband, advocating for seniors on behalf of AARP Missouri. In that role Amy took satisfaction in building coalitions with other public interest groups and non-profits. These coalitions worked to protect the interest of seniors, children, the disabled, the impoverished and working families. 
Although her career did not allow for much free time, her belief in the inviolability of human rights led her to volunteer for Amnesty International at the local and national level and for AFS, continuing the path to peace by assisting foreign exchange students and host families grow through their cross-cultural experience.
Her commitment and dedication to working people and those in need was so evident in Missouri’s State Capitol, she was approached by legislators and other advocates to run for the seat being vacated by State Representative Jeneé Low. Amy voluntarily resigned from AARP to seek the Democratic nomination for House District 44. With the support of her neighbors in the 44th District, Amy intends to continue to work for the progressive social change that has been the central focus of her life.