Amanda Kantaras, M.Ed, LPCC-S, LICDC holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Justice Studies, along with a Master of Education degree in Community Counseling, both obtained from Kent State University. She has specialized in working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Amanda’s experience includes serving as Team Leader for a First Episode Psychosis Program, providing counseling in correctional, outpatient, and crisis settings, as well as holding various management positions within community behavioral health settings. Most recently, Amanda had the privilege of serving as the Champion for the Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Strategy as part of NIH and SAMSHA’s Healing Communities Study in Jefferson County, Ohio. The goal of the study was to reduce opioid- related overdose deaths in communities highly affected by the opioid crisis through evidence-based practices. It was through her participation in the study that increased her passion and dedication to helping those experiencing a substance use disorder through community-based, harm reduction efforts.
In her free time, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and two rescue dogs. She is an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, loves all things Frank Sinatra, and continues to work on perfecting her “plant mom” skills.