Amanda joined the Positive Alternatives family in December 2014 and currently serves as the Program Director of Community Based Services.

She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology & Criminal Justice and has pre-PA experiences that include serving an AmeriCorps term in a neighboring school district, where she gained classroom experience working with at-risk students and those enrolled in the college readiness program, AVID (Achievement via Individual Determination). Additionally, she facilitated both a summer art club and book club and coached volleyball.

Positive Alternatives has further supported Amanda's professional growth by providing ongoing continued education opportunities. Among her achievements, she has earned a Supervisory Management certificate through UW-Eau Claire.

Witnessing the progress and relationships that flourish along the way is what Amanda finds so remarkable about her job and sees serving the youth and families that she does as a true honor. She feels that even though Positive Alternatives is just a temporary guest in the lives of those they help, it often means so much more than that. Being able to positively support the community is what makes Positive Alternatives so special to her.

Outside of PA, Amanda's favorite place to be is with her family and friends. Whether at home, on weekend getaways, or spontaneous gatherings, she thrives in the company of loved ones. She enjoys paddleboarding, hunting for treasures at garage sales, and getting pedicures. Gummy bears and Oreos are her weakness. Having most of her family living in other states has fostered her love for travel. She often says she missed her calling with HGTV, too, because all things renovation, décor, and home design makes her incredibly happy.