what I've studied
Master of Science: Sociology
Bachelor of Art: Sociology and Studio Art
Certificate in Design Thinking
Certificate in Political Leadership
ICF credentialed Executive Coach (ACC)
work I've done
President & CEO, DePaul Community Resources
Owner/Consultant, TwoChair Solutions
CSA Coordinator, City of Roanoke
Various public social work roles
how I have fun
writing - poems, essays, stories
trail running
cooking and baking
designing handmade greeting cards
reading - novels, essays, nonfiction, poetry
rearranging furniture...frequently.
MEET AMANDA, FOUNDER/CEO
Minor in art. Major in people.
Amanda Stanley helps organizations build and sustain thriving cultures. An artist at heart with twenty years experience ranging from front-line social work to the CEO chair, she works with companies and their leaders to design their todays and tomorrows with care.
She approaches her practice with a designer’s mindset, asking questions and uncovering insights in service to a better tomorrow. Helping her clients identify intrinsic values and strengths, she partners with them in judgement-free space to discover new possibilities. Amanda has a unique ability to see beyond today’s constraints to lead others beyond what is true and into what is possible.​
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Learn more about Amanda's education, work experience, and connections at her LinkedIn profile.
"Leadership is making something new, taking people somewhere they've never been - and no one's going to give you instructions."
Learn about Amanda's transition from CEO to self-employment and why we think art deserves a place in leadership development.
MEET KATE,
MANAGING CONSULTANT
FOR CULTURE AND STRATEGY
listen, learn, lead
Kate Means joins The Artisan Leader after working primarily in the nonprofit sector. Her roles - Chief of Staff, Interim CEO, and directors of programs and quality - have given her the chance to support and grow every part of a company: from client services to finance, technology, and human resources. The thread throughout all has been a focus on major strategic projects aimed at culture change.
Her formal education is in social work - she earned her MA in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She sees significant overlap in the practice of social work and the work of culture and strategy: Uncovering core human need and ensuring sustainable support for the future are essential elements of workplace health - whether the focus is on customers, partners, or employees.
In addition to providing leadership development training, Kate's work focuses on facilitation of team retreats, strategic planning, and consulting projects for companies that are creating compassionate workplace cultures.
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Kate is also a certified professional coach. You can learn more about her coaching style and availability here.
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Learn more about Kate's education, work experience, and connections at her LinkedIn profile.
what I've studied
Master of Art: Social Service Administration (MSW equiv.)
Bachelor of Art: Anthropology and Music Performance
Certificate in Professional Coaching
work I've done
Chief Engagement Officer, DePaul Community Res.
Chief of Staff, DePaul Community Resources
Director of Foster Care, DePaul Community Res.
Director of Quality, DePaul Community Resources
CASA Supervisor, Piedmont CASA
Board Chair, Habitat for Humanity of the New River Valley
various other social service roles
how I have fun
collecting and building Lego sets
crafting and coloring
reading - mainly cozy mysteries and nonfiction
listening to podcasts
keeping up with my three boys
what I've studied
Master of Social Science: Psychology
Bachelor of Social Science: Social Work
Certificate in Professional Coaching
Silwood Cordon Bleu Grande Diplome
work I've done
Adoption Manager, DePaul Community Res.
Various social service roles
Head Chef as Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Various cook positions
how I have fun
pottering in my garden
spending quality time with my dog
cooking...anything
walking on the trail
traveling, preferably where water is involved!
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MEET ANDREA,
CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL COACH
a supportive cheerleader on your side
With a background in human services leadership, Andrea brings a rare blend of compassion, deep curiosity, and genuine empathy to her work. Her coaching style is warm, open, and rooted in acceptance. She honors the uniqueness of each client, and brings both encouragement and insight as she gently nudges them toward meaningful growth.
Her formal education is in the social sciences, psychology, and...food! Early career experiences in hospitality and restaurants, including serving as head chef, gave her the opportunity to hone her creativity and reinforce her core value: to care for people well.
