Meet Amanda Kelly: A therapist who gets it

Amanda Kelly brings a unique perspective to her work at TheraFriends. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD as an adult, she understands what it’s like for neurodivergent children who don’t feel seen, supported, or empowered.

Amanda Kelly M.S., CF-SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

From schools to TheraFriends

Amanda’s professional journey began in elementary and special education, but she soon realized she wanted more one-on-one interaction with students. Inspired by how eager the kids were to engage with the speech therapists entering her classroom, Amanda decided to pursue speech therapy—a field where she could make a more joyful impact.

“The kids were always so excited when the speech therapist came to our classroom," Amanda says. "I worked in a class entirely with autistic children, most of whom were in speech therapy. The kids would almost fight over who got to go with her, and it made me think, ‘I want to be someone that kids are excited to see and work with.’”

Finding herself through her work

Amanda’s passion for working with neurodivergent kids was personal—even before she knew why.

“I was officially diagnosed with autism and later ADHD while working as a speech therapist," she shares. "I didn’t know that when I pursued teaching, but I always felt a lot of empathy working with neurodivergent kids. I could relate to many of their sensory struggles, differences in processing, and desire for ‘sameness’—even before knowing I was neurodivergent myself. That definitely deepened my empathy and understanding.”

Expanding access = expanding connection

Amanda sees therapy as more than skill-building—it’s about creating safe spaces for growth and authenticity. That’s why she’s passionate about programs like Peer Connections, a group for preteens and teens to build confidence and community.

“There’s a group we’re calling ‘Peer Connections’ that Jesse and I have run several times for preteens and young teens," she says. "We’ve had some really great conversations with them about issues they’re facing at school, socially, or personally.”

Help Amanda and TheraFriends expand programs that build connections and confidence. Your donation can fund group sessions, therapy tools, and outreach programs for families in need.

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