Amanda is a powerhouse of leadership and compassion, born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. With a strong faith and a commitment to community welfare, she has excelled in roles ranging from government contracts to social services, always prioritizing the well-being of children and families. A dedicated mother of four and a humble woman of God, Amanda’s impressive career includes expertise in grant writing, quality assurance, strategic planning, and community outreach.

Amanda graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the prestigious School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA-IU), which is ranked number two in the nation by U.S. News and World. She completed a rigorous course focusing on the welfare of the community, state, nation, and world. Her studies included civic leadership, management, policy studies, media and public affairs, sustainability management, criminal justice, and public safety.

With almost twenty years of experience in social services, Amanda has geared her education and experiences towards strengthening the community. She has a Master of Science degree in Management, with a concentration in Non-Profit Project Management.

Amanda has astonishing 20-year career in Family and Child Advocacy, with 10 years in management, 7 years in non-profit management, and 5 years in Public and Environmental Affairs.

She holds certifications in Project Management Professional and Child Welfare, alongside specialized training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Psychological First Aid, the IL STATE Child Care Act, and the IL STATE Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol. Amanda is an expert in Strength-Based Practice, Trauma-Informed Care, Developmental Disabilities, Multidisciplinary Teams, Diversity and Inclusion.

Amanda has excelled in government contracts and systems, focusing on maximizing community benefits and ensuring fiscal responsibility. Her skills include grant writing and research, quality assurance, strategic planning, organizational development, and government policy and relations. She is also adept at community outreach and engagement, as well as emergency response and planning. Amanda is known for her unwavering commitment—she won’t rest until the job is done or the person is helped.

Amanda’s career highlights include successful roles as a Foster Care Director, Emergency Foster Care Coordinator, and Homeless Youth Program Manager. At the National Youth Advocacy Program (NYAP) Amanda wrote and coordinated the development and implementation of the Homeless Youth Program grant, overseeing services, training, and supervising staff, interns, and volunteers, managing crisis intervention programs, and emergency shelter, managing the placement, intake, and assessment of youth. Amanda maintained organizational policies for Request for Proposal responses, managed the RFP for the Homeless Youth Initiative Program to the IL Department of Human Services, and handled executive administration duties for award acceptance and program implementation. Additionally, she managed RFPs for youth placement and support services, contributed to program development for the Dually Involved Youth Program, and actively advocated for youth in the Chicagoland area through speaking engagements and community events, raising awareness and resources for child welfare and juvenile delinquency. Her work has consistently focused on enhancing community benefits, from recruiting specialized foster homes to developing statewide programs in Nevada.

Amanda's dedication, wisdom, and organizational skills continue to inspire those around her, making her a cherished asset to her community. Amanda and her family moved to El Paso, where she served as a Foster Care Director specializing in working with victims of human trafficking. After her contract ended, Amanda fell in love with El Paso and decided to stay. Over the past few years, she has worked part-time as a Human Resources Project Manager and a Substitute Teacher in the Socorro Independent School District. Currently, Amanda is a stay-at-home mother and wife who enjoys serving in her church and helping children.