Amanda grew up in a small farming community in Oklahoma. Growing up she lived a very privileged life, but experienced extreme dissatisfaction with the expectations placed upon her as a woman and as a member of a religious community. Naturally curious, Amanda began to ask questions about her purpose in the world and where she might have to go to find it. In July of 2002, at the age of 22, she set out on a journey to find that purpose. She landed in California where she began pursuing her education in the social sciences.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology from California State University – San Bernardino and a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Applied Community Psychology from Antioch University – Los Angeles. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Psychology – Organizational Development and Systems from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In addition to her formal education, Amanda is an engaged learner who is committed to seeking out new learning opportunities in the real world as well as in the classroom.
As an organizational consultant, a social science researcher, and a community psychologist, Amanda has a vision for healthy communities and organizations. Her vision is fueled by a desire to see the people of the world take better care of one another and the planet. Amanda’s education supports this vision and is the foundation upon which she continues to build her skills and capabilities as a community mental health professional.
Amanda believes healthy communities and organizations are built on the principles of human interdependence and collaboration. She practices from a positive psychology perspective while employing asset-based and strength focused methods and models in her work with communities and organizations.
Amanda’s areas of specialty include: asset-based organizational development, program design and evaluation, multicultural competencies and human diversity, qualitative research methods, community and capacity building, psycho-educational workshops and trainings, appreciative inquiry, and community psychology.
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