Amanda has worked with young children in the greater Asheville area since 2003. She has always had a deep passion for child development, behavior and family supports systems. While pursuing her BS in Early Childhood Education, Amanda was busy raising her own 4 children. Her oldest son has autism; he is now a young adult at the age of 22. Her experience as a mother of a child with autism has allowed her to gain the knowledge, empathy and understanding needed to support children and families. Amanda’s two younger children have a learning disability that has affected them in different ways and they each have their unique struggles. The journey of raising children with exceptional needs, coupled with her desire to help, led her to the position as Community Navigator at FIRST. Here, she offers resources, support and experience to families and children. Amanda is also a certified Infant-Toddler Specialist with the Children’s Developmental Services Agency. She utilizes her skills and supports through early intervention and family education in the greater community.

Amanda fully believes in parent support and advocacy for families of Exceptional Children. So much so that she is currently pursuing her Masters of Teaching in Leadership, Policy and Advocacy. She knows that the field of Special Education is ever changing and she believes that there are always ways to learn and grow.

Apart from her job, Amanda enjoys all things creative and hands on! She loves to bake, garden, preserve food and make candles. She has a reverence for the natural world that she hopes to pass on to the next generation.