Amanda Goodwin, MFA

“For over four years, I was on 1 of the three teams that Amanda led during her time at Little Sprouts. This included the onset and post-pandemic eras.  While this time was scary for the entire world, Amanda rose above her personal fears and needs and exemplified everything that anyone would seek and value in a leader.  Not only did she maintain the business needs, but she also helped the organization thrive through her creativity, agility, unparalleled storytelling, and pulling from the boundless network of relationships she's built.  Amanda was able to provide a sense of security and connectedness when her team and colleagues needed it most in a time of uncertainty by leading with compassion, vision, intelligence, and empathy. We were all in it together, and she made it less daunting because she could articulate the goals, and we wanted to be on the journey with her.  Amanda's intuition of sentiment, along with her resourcefulness and power of persuasion, launched an at-home learning program with a $0 budget to keep both families and staff engaged and connected.  This was only 1 of the many great things she accomplished. Amanda's advocacy and passion for doing right drives her.  Her intelligence figures out how to get it done.  She is a change-maker, her impact is long-lasting, and she gets things done fast.  Any organization needing a change for the better should reach out to Amanda now!  I am forever grateful to have been led by someone who respected me, allowed me to be myself, and provided the space and tools to thrive.”

“I was reading the book "I Am Me" by Susan Verde this weekend to my three-year-old and five-year-old daughters. I stopped on the page that read, "I can surround myself with people who see me, stand up for me, and support me." That line 100% describes how I felt working on Amanda's team for the past 2+ years. Amanda's leadership created an environment where each team member felt seen, supported, and empowered. She has a unique ability to foster a workplace where individuals are not just colleagues but a supportive community for one another. Her commitment to cultivating a positive and supportive work culture made a lasting impact on my professional growth. I wholeheartedly recommend Amanda for her exceptional leadership and the genuine care she brings to building strong, cohesive teams.”