I'm Amanda, and I am happy you are here!

Before diving into my professional background, I am a human like all of you. I grew up in the Chicagoland area and love my Chicago sports teams. I enjoy exploring, traveling, lifting, hiking and the outdoors, finding good food, going to concerts, and relaxing with my cats.

I, like many others in the field, have struggled through my own winding mental health journey. At times, I thought that I was always going to be struggling. And, at times, I didn't want to put in the work anymore. I am grateful for the therapists and other people in my life that continued to push and challenge me to endlessly discover and re-discover my authentic self with compassion.

That's what I hope do to for you, is to help you find your authentic self and excitement for life again.

So much of my enjoyment and fulfillment from the work I do comes from sitting with clients in their dark parts, giving them the space to unfold and voice their fears, and witnessing the transformation that comes from healing. I deeply value power of the healing relationship that therapy brings.

Taking the first step towards therapy can be daunting, but it’s also a courageous and empowering choice. If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, I am here to help. 

Professional experiences:

I have my Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and my Bachelor of Science in psychology and nutrition from Baylor University.

Previously, I held roles as a clinical therapist in a residential eating disorder facility and in other private practices, as the Director of Wellness for the College of Veterinary Medicine, and as the outreach and prevention coordinator and staff therapist for the counseling center at Utah State University. My graduate school practicum experiences included domestic violence prevention education and integrated mental health in a community health clinic. I helped conduct research in the eating disorder field at the University of Texas, Austin and at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

I am a Evolutionary Power Institute Practitioner and completed 40-hour trainings in domestic violence and sexual trauma.