Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Carr.
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a passion for working with children. I delight in being with them and supporting them through whatever they are experiencing. I embrace play as a way to connect and build a therapeutic relationship with them. Although my path has taken many twists, turns, and even a few corkscrews along the way, I can now see how each chapter prepared me for where I am today.
I grew up in a highly chaotic environment and, unfortunately, experienced many traumatic events that impacted me deeply. During that time, I often felt unseen by the adults who were supposed to help. I promised myself that when I became an adult, I would do better for the children who needed someone to truly understand them.
My mom is my ultimate hero, and I love her to the moon and back. We have been through so much together, and I am honored to have witnessed her break the cycle of abuse in our family. Because of her strength, I knew I could choose a different path for my own life.
In my mid‑twenties, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Biomedical Science and Criminal Justice. I was one of the first grandchildren in my family to earn a degree. I began my career as a Social Worker with the Division of Family Services, where I quickly learned that in this field, you must do your own healing before you can effectively help others. I found myself overwhelmed by the trauma of others. At that time, I had no idea what it meant to be “triggered”. Looking back now, I recognize and understand why my life shifted.
From there, life took me in an entirely different direction. I spent the next 20 years in the restaurant industry, managing restaurants such as Outback Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and Cooper’s Hawk. I had waited tables throughout high school and college, so stepping into restaurant management felt like a natural transition at the time.
It was also during these years that I became a mother to two amazing little boys. After going through a divorce, I realized that the demands of restaurant management were no longer sustainable for my family. I remember a point—right before I finally left—when I went two full weeks without seeing my boys because of school schedules and the nonstop pace of restaurant life. That moment was a turning point. I knew something had to change.
I’ll never forget the moment I walked up to my then‑boyfriend (now husband) and said, “I’m going to quit my job and go back to school. I can’t do this anymore, and I want to work with kids.” He smiled, hugged me, and said, “You’ve got this.” He has always been my strongest supporter. I could have never done this without him.
I then applied to and was accepted into the counseling program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and began working as a preschool teacher with the Jewish Community Center. The next several years were a whirlwind. I got remarried, became a stepmom to two more incredible boys, and suddenly we had four boys in elementary school while both of us worked full time and I pursued my master’s degree. Busy was an understatement!
It took me five years to earn my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.Ed along with a certification in School Counseling (CSC). Walking into a classroom in my 40’s was intimidating and overwhelming. I felt very fortunate that the University of Missouri- St. Louis counseling department was supportive and helpful every step of the way.
As I completed graduate school, I had the incredible opportunity to complete my internship with the Psychoanalytic Institute of St. Louis and the Schiele Clinic, where I also completed the two‑year Advanced Psychoanalytic Program. During this time, I helped launch a program that provided free counseling services to children attending KIPP schools in St. Louis City. This experience deepened my clinical foundation, expanded my understanding of psychoanalytic work, and allowed me to support children who otherwise might not have had access to therapeutic care.
After graduation, I joined KIPP as a Social‑Emotional Learning teacher for grades K–5 and later became a School Counselor. I loved the experience, and I gained a whole new level of respect for teachers. Managing a classroom of 20 energetic kids was definitely not my strongest skill!
Then the pandemic hit—and that became its own chapter.
I continued working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through both private practice work and my role at Safe Connections, a community mental health organization. One of the many services Safe Connections provides is free counseling for individuals who have experienced domestic violence. This work was deeply meaningful to me and offered a way to give back in a way that felt genuine.
My time there also allowed me to provide counseling services to high school students. Until then, most of my experience had been with younger children, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I quickly discovered that working with teens was far less intimidating than I had imagined. In fact, they have helped me grow tremendously as a therapist and added a new layer of joy to the work I do.
In 2022, I opened my private practice, Mindful Foundations Therapy Group. During this time, I earned my Registered Play Therapist (RPT), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and LPC Supervisor credentials, and I am now working toward becoming an RPT‑Supervisor. I also had the privilege of supervising practicum students in the UMSL Counseling program. Expanding into supervision has become one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my professional journey, allowing me to support emerging clinicians as they grow into their own identities as therapists.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life will always produce obstacles and challenges. Navigating life, children, work, and everything in between can be chaotic and overwhelming. Having a strong support system and learning to manage what is within my control has been instrumental in my ability to continue to move forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My passion for working with children and their families began with my own childhood experiences. As an adult survivor of childhood abuse, much of my healing has centered on creating a sense of safety within my own body. This personal work has deeply informed my approach as a therapist helping others find safety, connection, and regulation within themselves.
The timing of life’s obstacles is rarely convenient, and my life has been no exception. However, each of those twists and turns has brought me to where I am today, and that makes everything worth it. Mindful Foundations Therapy Group grew out of my deep love for children and the healing power of connection. When life’s challenges arise, having support at every level can make all the difference.
We primarily serve children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate the many transitions and stressors that come with growing up. Whether you’re in kindergarten or college, life can feel overwhelming—especially when anxiety, depression, trauma, or family changes like divorce are part of the picture. We specialize in Play Therapy as one of our core therapeutic approaches. Through play, we create a safe, developmentally attuned space where children can express, explore, and make sense of their experiences. Because play evolves across the lifespan, we tailor our approach to meet each client exactly where they are.
Parenting does not come with an instruction manual, and it is undeniably hard work. It can be chaotic, exhausting, and nonstop. Many adults struggle to regulate their own nervous systems, let alone help a child who is melting down in the car on the way to school. At Mindful Foundations, we focus on the mind–body connection and support caregivers in strengthening their connection with themselves and with their children. Connection isn’t always calm—sometimes it’s messy—but it is essential for healing and regulation. When children feel seen, heard, and connected, they feel safe, and safety is where regulation begins.
Our goal is to help families cultivate these moments of connection in their daily lives so the entire family can grow. Through consistent parent and guardian consultations, we provide the tools and resources families need to support their children as they move through the different chapters of their lives.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I love collaborating with other therapists! Having the opportunity to support and learn from each other grows our ability to help more children!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mindfulfoundationstherapygroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1mindfulfoundations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1mindfulfoundations
