About Amanda

Born and raised in Gloucester Massachusetts, Amanda began her career path toward mental health while enrolled in college in Western Mass. After earning her bachelors degrees in Education and English/Theatre Arts at Westfield State, she decided to pivot toward children’s mental health. She has now been working with children, teens, families and caregivers for over 20 years, furthering her education and training in that time to deepen her practice.

Amanda has historically specialized in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma or have significant emotional needs.  She values each persons unique life circumstances, matching her approach and technique to help people be the best version of themself.  Amanda retains playfulness and creativity in her work, and truly enjoys enhancing the lives of children and families.

Amanda enjoys being a leader, and is currently in a Senior Leadership position at a nonprofit agency. She thrives in roles where she can mentor and support teams and individuals to grow and increase their skills. She believes in the power of listening, validating and taking action to impart lasting positive change. In her personal and professional life, Amanda seeks to grow connections and foster meaningful relationships. Comfortable with a busy schedule, Amanda strives to achieve as much as she can in the various roles she holds: Vice President, Event Organizer, Board Member, Writer, Wife and importantly, Mother of three.

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor

    Allied Board of Professionals

    LMHC #7337

  • Cambridge College

    Masters of Education: Counseling Psychology

    January 2007

    Westfield State University

    Dual Major Bachelor of Arts in English: Theatre Concentration; Bachelor of Science in Education: Elementary Education Concentration

    January 2002

  • MaMHCA: Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc.

    Member ID: 70587671

  • Cutchins Programs for Children and Families:

    Leadership Award 2017, 2022

  • Featured in the Daily Hampshire Gazette as an expert on youth mental health.
    Available here

    Interviewed by New England Public Media to speak on the crisis in Youth Mental Health

    Available here

    Magazine Article: Interviewed by By Amy Heflin, Nurture, A Valley Advocate Publication “Do Ask Do Tell” Spring 2015 regarding gun safety and children

    Interview with Giovanna Chaisson, watercolor artist on Instagram “Table Talk Tuesday”
    Available here

  • 3 day Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Intensive through PESI 12/2023

    School of Hard Talks: Motivational Interviewing skills for caregivers of teens and young adults 03/2022

    CAMS 101: Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality 04/2021

    Mandated Reporter Trainings: 2015, 2016

    Additional trainings on counseling, child development, DEIJ, telehealth and ethics.