Me & my favorite man: Grampa.
Amanda – [Latin] worthy of love
Michelle – [Hebrew, fem. Michael] “Who is like the Lord?”
Jones – [Hebrew, var. John] Yahweh has been gracious; God has favored; gift of God
I have spent most of my life exploring various avenues of “self-fulfillment”. During the course of my journey, I realized that there really is no such thing as “self-fulfillment”. No; to truly accomplish anything worthwhile in life, a person must seek the advancement of others. The seemingly elusive state of “self-fulfillment” is inevitable when we aim to nurture (love) others.
Considering what I’ve learned, I find it interesting that all three of my names have something to do with God, or qualities of God. I hated my name for years, until I looked up the meaning. I finally asked my mother about her choice and learned that her desire was for me to always feel loved, knowing that the only eternal source of that love is God. She didn’t know about our last name, but I’m glad she kept it, as the three together make a wonderful story. Once I pieced everything together, I began a journey to discover and fulfill what I believe is the destiny spoken over my life. This destiny, albeit “only” three words, I have found is really the story of my whole life: every thing I do is about living the love & grace that God & the Universe have bestowed upon me.
The Academic Stuff
I’m currently working towards a Ph.D. in Social Work, having earned my Master’s in Human Services Administration in May 2011. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Montgomery College. I am also a Certified Mentoring Program Coordinator through the Maryland Mentoring Partnership and Anne Arundel Community College. In addition, I have a certificate in paraprofessional counseling through The Garment’s Hem, Inc.
The Professional Stuff
My prior experience includes advising and preparing adult and youth students for higher education and admissions testing, community outreach and volunteer management, executive-level secretarial work, and case management. I am also trained in evaluation, strategic planning, and organizational management. My education, training, and experience have led me to become very skilled in program design/implementation, mentoring, education, relationship management, and advocacy. I live this out by providing consulting services to community and social justice workers via 3 Degree Union and by working toward establishing a research & training institute for homeless youth, called VisionSpeaks, Inc.