Amanda Stemen

Milestones

My road in life has taken me all over.

I was really good at following the rules and people pleasing so I got straight A's all throughout every level of education I completed.

I left my home state of Michigan and moved to Atlanta, GA to work in education, running tutoring and after school programs and teaching elementary special education.

I moved to Los Angeles, CA and completed two different master's degrees and learned to surf. During this time I also worked in both the education and recreation fields.

I went through a very late adolescent rebellion (maybe still am) when I realized that always following the rules wasn't getting me the happiness and success I'd been promised for doing so.

I worked in the LA county jail as a therapist, which further caused me to further question almost everything I'd been taught in my education.

My adult form of rebellion consisted of listening to my intuition instead of society's fears and once I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I started my own business.

I now provide education and support to others in the way I wish I'd received it. I specialize in mindful movement, outdoor, and creative play therapy / coaching / consulting.

In addition to my business, I also write and create art and other projects as a part of my "job," which I've always wanted to do professionally but was held back by fear.

Keep following my journey

Education

High School
Oscoda Area High School

Bachelor
Psychology/Athletic Coaching/Outdoor Recreation
Central Michigan University

Graduate
Recreation Administration
California State University, Long Beach

Doctorate
Master's of Social Welfare
University of California, Los Angeles

Career

Psychotherapist / Coach / Consultant / Writer

I write (creatively and technically) and provide psychotherapy, coaching, and consulting services.

Career Roadmap

My work combines:

Entrepreneurship

Writing

Communicating / Sharing Stories

Day to Day

I have no typical work day, which was one of the reasons I started my own business. Every day is some mix of seeing therapy / coaching clients, facilitating groups / workshops, program design, project management, managing aspects of running a business, including logistics, finances, and marketing, maintaining a website and social media, writing, and other creative projects. I do this outdoors, in an office space, in others' work areas, and from home / other remote location.

Advice for Getting Started

Here's the first step for everyone

I'd recommend conducting informational interviews. Talk to people who are doing what you want to do. Job shadow if they allow it. This enables you to see what it's really like to have the career you think you want without having to spend any money on it first. And if you decide it's still for you after that you've already started your network of support in pursuing your career goals. Also, read. Read as much as you can about what you want to do and everything else too. It's all related.

Recommended Education

Bachelor
Psychology

Psychotherapist / Coach / Consultant / Writer

Milestones

Education