Amanda Burns is an outstanding young professional that her clients love, families trust, and her colleagues value. SJJCC is enhanced by her knowledge, skill set, and smile.
Amanda began her JCC journey seven years ago, working in the after-school program for individuals with special needs.
As a true team player, she worked in each special needs program and even the adult day programs for frail and memory-impaired seniors over the years. Amanda’s goal is to help the vulnerable community as much as she can each day.
This year, Amanda was promoted to the director of the Sandler Family Kehilla Center after years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to the JCC. The Sandler Family Kehilla Center is designed for individuals ages 5-21 with special needs.
The center includes Camp Kehilla, after-school and weekend programs, providing fun activities to children with varying abilities and respite for their parents all year.
When Amanda stepped into the helm, she quickly evaluated processes and procedures to ensure quality services. She has a great vision to roll out many new cutting-edge services. She has launched a self-esteem-rising program for individuals that identify as female.
It operated for 11 weeks, and during this time, teens with special needs fostered relationships with typical teens and together built skills to have a positive sense of self. She also applied and was rewarded two grants that focused on mental wellness through sports, recreational activities, and group conversations on such topics as anti-bullying.
Amanda led her team this summer to provide the most incredible summer experience for over 130 campers with special needs at Camp Kehilla.
Many days were challenging, and many days were sweltering, but nothing beat Amanda’s spirit. Amanda led her team with smiles, positivity, and the biggest brightest heart.
Messages received from parents mirrored this experience. One parent shared, “All of you rock, and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for my son this summer. This is the happiest he has ever been at camp.” Campers shared similar messaging every day. Amanda already has tons of ideas to prepare for the Summer of 2023.
When the fall is in full swing, you’ll find Amanda back at SJJCC facilitating support groups, developing new program ideas, building nurturing relationships with her staff, clinically supervising a team of younger social workers, and continuing to reach her next professional goal to support the community.
Amanda and her team are introducing enrichments to the after-school and weekend programs, such as music, science, and social-emotional learning activities. Each activity is designed to help children reach their fullest potential.
Amanda is also focusing on rolling out a series of workshops, groups, and social events to educate, support, and link families. Amanda is always accepting calls from new families, so if you are reading this and know a family in need of support, please call to learn just how unique Amanda and the Sandler Family Kehilla Center is.