We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Comage-Trower recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda , thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

As a young child, I had parents that were born to socialize. They would model for me and my siblings on a consistent basis how to introduce yourself to strangers and how to dress and show confidence even if you were scared, nervous or didn’t feel like you belonged. There examples and modeling those positive social skills were extremely impactful to my career in all areas. Particularly, networking, public speaking, showing confidence and how to have those important conversations.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Certainly!

As the CEO and founder of Mental Heart Healing House & Mindful Hearts K-5 Learning Academy, Amanda is a compassionate and experienced professional dedicated to supporting children and families with changing dynamics with warmth and care. With over 30 years of expertise in child-centered philosophy and therapeutic play, Amanda brings a gentle touch to teaching coping skills and fostering emotional well-being in children. Amanda enjoys creating school aged mental health programs, dancing and writing books in her spare time.

Her journey began working towards her undergraduate degree in Human Services and Family Studies from Rio Salado & Phoenix College, where she developed a deep understanding of family dynamics and children’s needs. She continued on to become Certified as a Level-1 Child-Centered Play Practitioner and Children’s Counselor, Amanda is adept at creating nurturing environments and continued when she opened a space in 2020 where school aged children feel safe to explore their emotions and experiences & meet friends who understand their problems at the Healing house and in all of her school programs and classes..

Throughout her career, Amanda has held various leadership roles, including marketing and enrollment for childcare centers. She’s also co-owner of the Early Childhood Educators Academy, demonstrating her commitment to professional development in the early childhood education sector.

Amanda’s passion for helping children extends beyond the classroom. As a former CPS case aide and Children’s Shelter Supervisor, she’s provided support to children in crisis situations, bringing comfort and stability during difficult times.

Recognized for her dedication, Amanda has been featured on Fox Business News, the Wall Street Journal, and other local news outlets. She’s also a published author and proud mother of seven, with a deep appreciation for the joys and challenges of parenting.

In all her endeavors, Amanda advocates for the importance of play, parent-child connection, and effective communication in nurturing healthy relationships and resilient children. Her gentle approach and genuine compassion make her a cherished leader in the field of children’s mental health and education.

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Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe to succeed in this field of working with children, especially school aged children with changing family dynamics, school anxiety or grieving, you have to have a connection with what they have been going through. You have to want to sit in the middle of the trauma and be their help and non judgmental guide. No adult expectations on how they should be as they navigate social life, school life and just being a kid. In order to help a child who is facing parents who are divorcing, separated, incarcerated, abandon them, is in a heavy political or hectic career and time is thin all the way to the child becoming a new big brother or sister to the kiddo who is losing a parent or someone else close to their life. You have to have a solid connection, communication and a want to be there for the good and the bad a young child and their families are facing.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

If I could go back, i would never change my path. It was always meant to be my blessing and for me to be able to help other women who desire to help children. I wouldn’t change my path because it helped me see what teachers & support staff go through so that I can make a difference in my staff’s lives. My pathway was created for me, before I ever knew it and we will all win together. Me, My staff, The children and families and our community.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mentalheart.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalheart1?igsh=N3J0eWpldGc2NmJm
• Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-comage-trower-3922b3133?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-comage-trower-3922b3133?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/_h0uhkjK-zuki7ZrAmYGvA/?locale=en_US&utm_campaign=Feb-09-2024&utm_content=magic_link_v2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=biz_login_magic_link&ytl_=d9b5c808b2737213a414b976fca0cde0

Image Credits
Images belong to Mental Heart Healing House L.L.C.