Amanda Sanders, Phd Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Butte County, California, United States

Consultant to the SPARK Academy long-term disaster recovery program for children affected by the Paradise Fires of 2018. Trained the staff and volunteers on the importance of healing arts, the effects of a disaster on mental health, and brief art-based coping skills. Participated in weekly staff meetings and debriefing, consulted with staff and volunteers on curriculum, progress towards goals, and offered suggestions for changes changes as needed. Adapted in-person curriculum to virtual platform delivery in response to COVID-19 as well as participated in co-leading these virtual SPARK groups.

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States

Consultant to the SPARK Academy long-term disaster recovery program for children and adolescents affected by the Hurricane Florence. Trained the staff and volunteers on the importance of healing arts, the effects of a disaster on mental health, and brief art-based coping skills. Consult with staff and volunteers on curriculum, program progress towards goals, and suggested changes as needed. Assisted with the development and implementation of SPARK with middle school aged participants as well as a shift to virtual SPARK during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Houston, Texas Area

Consultant to the SPARK Academy long-term disaster recovery program for children affected by Hurricane Harvey. Trained the staff and volunteers on the importance of healing arts, the effects of a disaster on mental health, and brief art-based coping skills. Participated in weekly staff meetings and debriefing, consulted with staff and volunteers on curriculum, progress towards goals, and offered suggested changes to curriculum as needed. Additional training provided to educators and parents struggling with the lasting negative effects of disaster on child/adolescent behaviors and emotions.

Ventura County, California, United States

Consultant to the SPARK Academy long-term disaster recovery program for children affected by the Thomas fires and debris flow of 2018. Trained the staff and volunteers on the importance of healing arts, the effects of a disaster on mental health, and brief art-based coping skills. Participated in staff meetings and debriefing, consulted with staff and volunteers on program progress towards goals and brainstormed changes to curriculum to fit the needs of each site.

New Jersey

Developed the visual healing arts curriculum and volunteer training for the HOPE Worldwide SPARK Saturday Academy, a disaster relief program for children and adolescents who were victims of Hurricane Sandy. Discussed progress of art projects with lead teachers on a weekly basis.Provided training for volunteers via pre-recorded PowerPoint and handouts.

Tallahassee, Florida Area

Assisted in the supervision of masters level art therapy students enrolled in practicum I, II, or III. Facilitated class discussions, observed students working with clients at practicum sites, met with onsite supervisors to assess student progress, evaluated case notes and client files.

Chattahoochee, Fl

Worked with adult psychiatric residents with various Axis I and Axis II disorders and of various levels of functioning. Developed and implemented treatment plans based on assessments, clinical experience and knowledge. Documented individual and group notes daily, including art therapy assessments and resident interest surveys. Attended weekly supervisions, psychological presentations and additional training workshops.

Worked with children and adolescents with behavior problems and various Axis I and Axis II disorders. Met with adolescents and family members for residential and non-residential intakes and counseling sessions. Completed and documented psychosocial reports, suicide risk questionnaires, and Brief Fam II Assessment. Met with treatment team biweekly to staff caseloads and discuss treatment goals and concerns. Participated in implementing agency social skills behavior management system.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Art Education (Art Therapy)

Dissertation: "Exploring the Art Therapist's Perspective of Working With Victims of Disaster." Supervising Professor: David Gussak, PhD.

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

Master Of Science (M.S.), Mental Health Counseling/Counselor

Master Of Science (M.S.), Art Therapy

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Psychology