Amy Laufer grew up in Wisconsin and lives in Albemarle County, Virginia. Laufer earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Laufer was a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica. After the Peace Corps, Laufer earned a master's degree in secondary science education from the Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City. Her career experience includes working as a water analyst for the state of Wisconsin and teaching elementary school. Laufer was elected to the Charlottesville City School Board in 2011, serving as vice chair and chair from 2012 to 2016.