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By: Scott Smith as it appeared in SCC Connections
Amanda Nicholson’s story is one of remarkable and success. Amanda started in the Human Services Technology program at Stanly Community College in 1996. During her first several years at SCC, she worked full time as a CAP trainer for Arc Services, in addition to working a part time job. After only eight months with Arc Services, she was promoted to the position of employment specialist. Just 16 months later, she moved up again and became a placement coordinator. During this time, Amanda worked with individuals with a wide range of disabilities, including clients with hearing impairments, dual diagnoses, Prader Willi Syndrome, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and traumatic brain disorder. After five and a half years as a placement coordinator, she served as a service coordinator for the next six months. Amanda was promoted to program manager in December 2003; she was most recently promoted to the position of qualified professional with Arc Services, a position she has enjoyed since
July 2004. As program manager, Amanda had a staff of three in two counties and served less than 100 consumers. Today, she has a staff of 20 in 11 counties and serves approximately 350 consumers.
Her projects include:
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Developing vocational rehabilitation Services in eight new counties
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Preparing seven workshops for national accreditation
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Developing a partnership among Arc Services, Inc. Vocational Rehabilitation and local school systems to provide transition services to students with disabilities in 11 counties.
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Coordinating Disability Mentoring Day on October 19, 2005.
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She is also a member of the following committees and organizations:
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Workforce Development Board Youth Council Committee
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Stanly County Interagency Transition Committee
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Vocational Evaluation and Career Assessment Professionals
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North Caroline APSE
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Stanly Community College’s Human Services Technology Board
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After graduating as an outstanding graduate from SCC with a 3.74 GPA, Amanda continued her education at Gardner-Webb University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in human services with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is now working on her Master of Science degree in organizational change and leadership at Pfeiffer University.
Some of Amanda’s awards and accomplishments include:
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Outstanding Graduate, SCC -2002
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Edward J. Snyder Jr. Exceptional Scholars Award, SCC-2002
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National Dean’s List-2002
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Alpha Chi National Honor Scholarship Society, Gardner-Webb University-2004
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Leadership Stanly Graduate-2004
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Regarding the Human Services program at SCC, Amanda said that she “appreciated the flexible schedule that SCC offered, including night and weekend classes at different campuses” She was also impressed with the instructors at SCC and that “they were more concerned about you learning concepts rather that just making the grade”. Amanda is making Albemarle, Stanly County and North Carolina a better place for those with disabilities. With her determination and perseverance, the sky is truly the limit for this special SCC Human Services graduate.
For more information about SCC’s Human Services Technology options, please call Scott Smith at 704-991-0338.
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Reaching New Heights in the Field of Human Services