Amanda Verhaak received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas. She then received her Master of Social Work degree, with a focus on Children, Youth, and their Families, from the University of South Carolina. Soon after, she moved to Boston, MA, where she became a Licensed Certified Social Worker. Amanda has had many experiences in the field of social work and mental health, including work at a residential treatment center, a child advocacy center, a childhood hunger awareness program, and an after school program. She has also worked at a child psychiatric hospital and as an early interventionist. Amanda is now an Early Childhood Consultant and Trainer with JRI's Early Childhood Training and Consultation Program, with a focus on school-aged children. Amanda has a passion for understanding children, their families, and their environments.