Amanda is the heart and soul behind Wheely Big Dreams Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing adaptive equipment to physically disabled individuals in need. Born from personal experience, this organization addresses a critical gap in our healthcare system where insurance often falls short in covering essential medical equipment. Amanda works tirelessly to provide life-changing equipment including power assists, wheelchair vehicles, custom wheelchairs, and adjustable beds to those who need them most. Her vision is simple yet powerful: mobility and independence shouldn't be luxury items.

Amanda's path to founding Wheely Big Dreams began with her own "tip-toe princess walk" - a walking pattern that at age 12 was diagnosed as limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A. This progressive disorder, caused by a mutation in the Calpain-3 gene, leads to muscle degradation over time. Though she began using a wheelchair in 2014 and no longer has the ability to stand or walk, this transition brought unexpected liberation. "Using a wheelchair wasn't something I was excited about doing," Amanda shares, "but when I started to, I was so happy, I had more energy, and I felt like I got my life back.”

Amanda brings a unique perspective to her role as a mental health counselor, combining professional expertise with lived experience. Having earned her Master's in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling from USF in 2024, she approaches therapy with genuine empathy and understanding that can only come from navigating life's challenges firsthand. She believes in creating a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can explore their mental health concerns while developing practical coping strategies. Through her counseling work, Amanda embodies the same mission that drives Wheely Big Dreams: empowering others to live their fullest lives despite obstacles they may face.