The sense of fulfillment that comes from watching someone choose vulnerability reaching out, trusting a stranger, and scheduling that first session has shaped Amanda’s journey in profound ways. Early on, she learned that healing does not follow a script, and that true connection begins when expectations are set aside. Each client arrives with their own rhythm, challenges, and moments of joy, and Amanda meets them with openness, curiosity, and respect.
Naturally organized and goal-oriented, Amanda has always believed in facing challenges head-on. Guided by the wisdom of her father, particularly in navigating important financial decisions, she built her practice with intention and clarity. As a leader, she values trust over control. She is not a micromanager; instead, she fosters autonomy, transparency, and growth ensuring that every clinician feels supported while being empowered to practice independently. At the heart of Amanda’s work is a simple belief: the moment we think we know everything is the moment we stop learning.
A Journey of Presence, Purpose, and Healing
Amanda’s passion for understanding human behavior began in her first undergraduate psychology class, where she discovered a deep curiosity about human nature and why people do what they do. However, it was during her postgraduate training, about six months into working directly with clients, that her purpose became truly clear. New to the field, Amanda often felt overwhelmed and struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether she had the experience or ability to truly support those who came to her for help. Despite knowing she was still learning, she placed immense pressure on herself to have all the answers.
That perspective shifted during her work with a regular client who carried out a history of trauma and attended weekly sessions. Over time, Amanda witnessed subtle yet powerful changes lighter energy, relaxed posture, increased laughter, and a renewed sense of hope. Seeing genuine healing unfold in real time was a defining moment. It affirmed her calling to be a safe and steady presence for individuals as they navigate vulnerability, pain, and growth.
From that point forward, Amanda committed herself to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. For more than 20 years, she has sat alongside individuals facing life’s most complex and challenging moments, creating spaces where clients feel safe to show up as their authentic, unfiltered selves. Through this work, she has learned the importance of never judging a person by appearances or assumptions.
Early in her career, Amanda noticed how easy it was to form expectations based on paperwork or first impressions. Over time, she realized those assumptions were rarely accurate realization that profoundly shaped her worldview and clinical approach. She is continually inspired by how deeply personal history influences the present, and how no two life stories are ever the same, even among people raised in the same environment.
Because of this, Amanda approaches every first session as a true blank slate. She sets aside expectations of how a client will engage, heal, or celebrate progress. At the heart of her work is a belief that the most effective therapy honors everyone’s uniqueness. Amanda considers it a privilege to walk alongside clients as they discover their strengths, purpose, and the value they bring to the world.
Laying the Foundations for Sustainable Growth
Some of Amanda’s greatest challenges emerged during the second year of building her practice, when growth made it clear that core operations such as payroll, documentation, and record keeping needed a more structured approach. Naturally organized and goal-oriented, she chose to face these challenges directly. During this time, her father once again became an invaluable guide, particularly in navigating financial decisions and long-term planning.
Through this process, Amanda quickly learned that these are common and often daunting realities for small business owners. Finding a skilled and reliable accountant, selecting a trustworthy insurance billing partner, and identifying the right marketing support were all pivotal decisions. Each required patience, thorough research, and careful consideration. Looking back, Amanda is grateful she did not rush these choices, as the systems and partners she selected play a critical role in the stability and success of the practice today.
Amanda has always described herself as naturally “math-minded” and somewhat Type A in personality traits that once led her to believe a career in medicine might be the right path. In hindsight, she sees how everything aligned as it needed to: her clinical education prepared her to be an effective therapist, while her practical strengths equipped her to manage the financial and operational realities of running a private practice.
Beyond professional guidance, Amanda has been deeply supported by her family and friends. Her father continues to serve as a trusted sounding board for business decisions, her mother provides a steady and compassionate presence during stressful moments, and close friends offer encouragement and perspective without judgment.
Throughout it all, Amanda has remained clear about her long-term vision: to grow Connections of Hope into a nationwide practice. Keeping that goal in focus sustains her through challenging days, especially as she thinks about her children and the possibility of one day passing on something meaningful should they choose to carry it forward.
Creating Space for Clinicians and Clients to Thrive
Although often described as “quiet” or “shy” growing up, Amanda has always enjoyed leading and taking initiative. She brings a clear sense of direction to her business and is unafraid to take thoughtful risks in pursuit of long-term goals and an approach that has played a key role in the steady growth of Connections of Hope over the past six years.
As the founder and owner of Connections of Hope, Amanda views her role not as a traditional “boss,” but as a leader who empowers her clinicians to practice with confidence and autonomy. She feels deeply grateful to work alongside a team of highly skilled therapists who share a genuine commitment to helping others. Amanda strongly opposes micromanagement and is transparent from the outset about her expectations: once clinicians are established in their roles, they are trusted to do the work they were trained to do, with the assurance that support is always available when needed.
This leadership philosophy fosters motivation, accountability, and long-term investment among team members. Amanda believes that allowing clinicians to “be their own boss” creates a healthier, more sustainable workplace for both providers and clients.
One of the most challenging lessons Amanda encountered in her second year of practice involved navigating financial conversations within the therapeutic space. She quickly recognized how difficult and inappropriate it could be to address billing issues immediately after emotionally intense sessions. These experiences reinforced the importance of protecting the integrity of the therapy room and not forcing systems that were not serving clients or clinicians well.
In response, Amanda implemented key operational changes, including clear and comprehensive intake documentation and partnerships with professional billing services. This ensured that financial and insurance-related matters were handled outside of therapy sessions, allowing clinicians to focus fully on client care.
These changes have enabled the team to dedicate their energy to what truly matters: providing compassionate, attuned, and effective therapy. By preserving the emotional safety of the therapeutic space, Amanda has helped create an environment where clients feel secure, supported, and free to show up as their authentic selves.
A Future Rooted in Compassion and Connection
Looking ahead, Amanda envisions Connections of Hope expanding into a truly national presence, with multiple office locations across every state in the United States. Recognizing that therapists must be licensed in the states where their clients reside, this vision involves building strong, localized teams of clinicians across the country. As someone who loves to travel, Amanda is energized by the idea of exploring new regions while identifying dedicated professionals who align with the mission and values of practice.
As the founder and owner of Connections of Hope, Amanda also hopes to share her experience and insights on a broader platform. She aspires to speak at conferences, events, and educational forums across the country and eventually internationally engaging with individuals eager to learn, ask questions, and gain clarity around mental health and personal growth. She views these opportunities as both a privilege and an extension of her commitment to advocacy and education.
Beyond geographic expansion and public speaking, Amanda’s long-term goal is to build a trusted leadership and management team to support the continued growth of the organization. She envisions regional leaders working alongside her, offering fresh perspectives and guiding future development. This structure would not only strengthen Connections of Hope but also allow Amanda to be more present with her two children as they begin building their own lives and careers.
At the heart of Amanda’s leadership philosophy is a belief in always being ready to grow. Since opening the practice six years ago, she has learned that when a clinician is ready to serve, there are always clients in need of support. The fulfillment she feels after speaking with a new client, hearing the relief in their voice as they take the courageous step of scheduling their first session continues to fuel her work and define the mission of Connections of Hope.
Equally important to Amanda is investing in her team. She is proud to work alongside exceptionally skilled therapists who contribute to their communities in diverse ways, including leading therapy groups, speaking at events, partnering with schools, providing continuing education for other professionals, and teaching at the collegiate level. Amanda remains committed to encouraging and challenging her clinicians to grow into the best versions of themselves while serving their communities with consistency, compassion, and integrity year after year.
Leading with Balance, Intention, and Resilience
When asked what advice she would offer to aspiring business owners and professionals, Amanda emphasizes the importance of protecting and preparing oneself emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially.
Emotionally, Amanda believes a strong support system is essential. She encourages surrounding oneself with friends and family who genuinely believe in the vision and want to see it succeed—people who offer a safe space to vent, reflect, and feel heard, especially on difficult days. Equally important, she notes, is choosing confidents who support growth rather than discourage it, as the wrong voices can quietly undermine both personal and professional progress.
Physically, Amanda stresses the importance of caring for the body. Prioritizing sleep, staying hydrated, nourishing oneself with healthy food, and maintaining regular movement are foundational habits. She emphasizes that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected and neglecting one will inevitably affect the other.
Mentally, Amanda encourages continuous learning and development. Staying current with professional training, completing continuing education, and reading about leadership and business ownership are all critical. She advocates for seeking out mentors, connecting with other entrepreneurs, and intentionally spending time with people who inspire growth and new ways of thinking. In her view, mindset must evolve alongside business growth.
Financially, Amanda strongly advises having at least one trusted financial mentor. A skilled accountant, she notes, can be invaluable in making informed decisions and supporting sustainable growth. She believes openness to learning from those with financial expertise creates a stronger and more secure foundation for long-term success.
At the core of Amanda’s philosophy is a belief in humility and openness: the moment someone believes they know everything is the moment learning stops. She encourages allowing others to offer guidance and support, reminding leaders that accepting help now makes it possible to give back more fully in the future.
Finally, Amanda emphasizes the importance of grace. She recognizes that driven individuals are often hardest on themselves and reminds others to rest when needed, take intentional pauses, and learn from mistakes without self-judgment. Growth, she believes, requires both effort and rest and honoring both makes the journey more sustainable and fulfilling.
