Service Array:
Individual Skill Development and Enhancement
Hello, I’m Amanda, and life has been quite a wild ride! After navigating a challenging childhood marked by my parents’ struggles with addiction, homelessness, and mental health issues, I was placed in the foster care system as a ward of the state. It was a tough journey, but I found my home and a sense of belonging after relocating to southeastern Wisconsin. I faced the difficult task of aging out of care at 18, after spending my life separated from my seven siblings and being moved between numerous placements around the country. My tenacity and the guidance of my mentors helped me overcome these obstacles and prepared me for a life of success.
With help from organizations that were involved with my case as a child, I adopted a life of advocacy, using my experiences to rally for systemic change and uplift others going through similar struggles. This has given me opportunities I could never have dreamed of including speaking in the United States Capitol and receiving awards such as the Outstanding Young Leader award when I was 21. I aim to help those struggling with addiction, mental health concerns, and the complexities of the foster care system by offering compassionate advice and understanding gained from my lived experience. My lack of a traditional family setting has made me passionate about protecting the village of people who have taught me that love and support can come from all corners of life.
Outside of my work as a mentor, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my pets, creating art, and, whenever I can, taking in the beauty of nature. I am very excited to use what I have learned during my life to help others achieve their goals and find a sense of belonging in their village.