Who is podpara?

Hi! My name is Amanda, but call me Mandi. I am the founder and owner of podpara family therapeutic services and mama to 2 pretty cool little boys. I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. These two different areas of expertise as well as my shared experience as a parent allow me to meet your family where you are at and provide support based on both the most recent scientific data as well as the understanding of what parenting actually entails.

As a behavior analyst, I have education, training, and certification in using the principles of applied behavior analysis to implement effective and meaningful behavior change. I have over seven years of experience using behavioral techniques to help children with autism and their families. Through my work as a behavior analyst, I have helped non-vocal children use words, worked directly with children to reduce tantrums, educated parents on science-based behavior management strategies, and assisted parents with implementing effective behavior management strategies in their homes. My behavioral support services for families utilize my knowledge as a BCBA and are designed for families who need something more intensive and hands-on than talk therapy to manage their children's behavioral challenges.

As a marriage and family therapist, I am licensed in the state of California to provide psychotherapy services. I have over 10 years of experience working with a variety of individuals and families in a therapeutic setting. I have worked with families struggling with domestic violence, individuals with severe mental illness, pregnant women, individuals battling substance use, homeless individuals, adults and children with trauma histories, incarcerated youth, and foster families. Through my work as a family therapist, I use evidenced based techniques including Humanistic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and motivational interviewing to help my clients address their emotional needs. I offer talk therapy services for children impacted by trauma and for caregivers who need support managing family life.

I believe that who I am and why I am passionate about helping families is just as important as my credentials. 

I am a mama and a wife. Since a young age I have been drawn to children and their unique needs. As I have grown as a professional and a mother, I have developed an immense appreciation for caregivers and the important role they play in supporting the children they care for. I believe that in order for children to thrive in happy and healthy homes, parents and caregivers must be better supported. And in order for parents and caregivers to be supported, they must be given the tools to support their family's needs,  and most importantly, their own needs. 

My motivation is to be the best parent I can be by taking care of myself and staying educated on the most effective ways to care for my family. And my goal is to help others do the same through podpara’s supportive services.