Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Hill.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I enrolled in a child development class at Palomar College when I was fresh out of high school. I never intended for it to be my major. I figured I would take the class, cover some elective units, and be on my way. Spoiler alert: That’s not how the story went. Life has a way of taking us right where we need to be, even when we might not realize it at the time.
Around that same time, I began working at a preschool in Escondido and continued taking college courses. It was during those years that I fell in love with the field of early childhood education, and I went on to obtain my Bachelor of Arts degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Point Loma Nazarene University.
During my undergraduate studies, I taught preschoolers who were typically developing, as well as those with special needs. I also held a variety of other jobs, including private tutoring in child development, working as a nanny, and coordinating a student improvement program.
My sights were set on being a preschool director, and with that in mind, I obtained a Master’s degree in Education. At the tail end of my graduate program, I had to find a new internship location because the school I’d been working with changed leadership. I remember being so disappointed and incredibly stressed about finding a new internship last-minute. I reached out to the Child Development department chair at Palomar College and asked if they’d consider having me as an intern.
They said yes! And after interning for a year, I taught my first class (and boy, was I nervous!!). I guess you could say the rest is history. It’s been nearly a decade now, and I continue to teach at a number of colleges and universities within the San Diego area. Over the last several years, as I’ve had children, I transitioned to teaching mostly online so that I can take care of my little ones, and also remain in a career that I love.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Like anyone’s journey, mine has had its peaks and valleys. When I was graduating from high school, college, and even from graduate school, I didn’t have a clear idea of where this path would take me. And truthfully, I’m still not sure exactly where my job will lead me, but I’ve learned to enjoy exploring the opportunities that come along the way.
One of the greatest struggles was a season in my life where my husband and I had multiple pregnancy losses, and it took a huge toll on us. I was physically and emotionally exhausted, and it was challenging to show up well for my students when I was hurting so much. During that time, the last thing I wanted to do was talk about children and their development. I wanted to be a mom so badly, and I was angry that I kept experiencing loss.
In hindsight, I think those losses and that season of my life made me a much more empathetic and caring person, something that absolutely translates into my role as a teacher. My students wear so many hats, so to speak, and I applaud them for their dedication even in the midst of so many challenges.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have a few different titles and roles – but my latest one is author! My first book, Growing Pains: A Parent’s Guide to Child Development, is being released on November 19. I’ve dreamed of being a published author for so long, and it feels surreal to now be sending my first book out into the world. It’s a guide for parents of children ages 4-10, with solutions to common challenges that families face.
I also continue to work as a Child Development instructor at several colleges and universities in the San Diego area. I love helping parents and teachers learn about children and their development. I get to do this outside of my classroom teaching as well. I do keynotes, seminars, and workshops within the community and online. This includes professional development trainings for early childhood educators, administrators, and staff. I also lead parents’ education groups addressing a variety of topics ranging from challenging behaviors, food struggles, and more. Lastly, I do one-on-one parent coaching to help families address areas of challenge within their homes. You can find out more about my work at www.theprofmom.com.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I think that any time you hear someone’s story – the things they’ve walked through and come out the other side – it’s inspirational. I’m grateful to have an incredible Mom and Grandma who have both had an influential role in my life. They’ve gone through struggles, learned from them, and have shared their wisdom with me throughout my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theprofmom.com
- Email: profamandahill@gmail.com
- Instagram: @theprofmom
Image Credit:
Amanda Hill
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