For the past two summers, Amanda has supported Saturday Academy's Summer Programming as a Support Specialist – and later, Educator – for the Explorers (K-2). She has a particular passion for this age group and their depth of feeling and limitless creativity. For Amanda, learning isn't just about collecting knowledge but about expanding our realm of familiarity and seeking out sources of interest and passion.
Growing up, Amanda would spend hours reading fantasy novels, and after being introduced to story-writing in the first grade, she wrote many short stories and chapter books of her own. She never lost her love for reading and writing and now holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish with a minor in Writing from the University of Portland.
Amanda cherishes the opportunity to nurture the creative expression of young students because of how crucial it has been in the development of her sense of purpose, individuality, and joy. She carries this mission with her to Saturday Academy and to her role as Operations Director at Cathedral Park Performing Arts Collective in St. John's. In both of these roles, she is proud to help make the arts more accessible to all students, regardless of financial background.