In a world that often feels increasingly connected yet emotionally distant, Amanda Hill has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between isolation and understanding. As the Founder and CEO of Connections of Hope, Amanda has built more than a mental health practice; she has nurtured a space where healing begins with empathy, courage, and the simple act of listening.

Her story began with an unexpected pivot. “I made a last-minute decision to change my major from Pre-Med to Psychology during my senior year of college,” Amanda recalls. “It was a big step for me, as I had always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But after taking a few psychology courses, I discovered a genuine love for the subject and felt a strong pull toward pursuing this new path.”

That moment of clarity would define her next two decades. Having now worked in the mental health field for twenty years, fifteen of those in various agencies and private practices, Amanda took a leap of faith in 2020 that changed everything. With her father’s business wisdom guiding her, she opened the doors to Connections of Hope, a private practice that would soon grow into a movement.

Within just a few months, her schedule was completely full. “I found myself facing a big decision: should I limit my practice to the clients I already had, or expand and bring other clinicians on board? I chose to grow, and not a single day in the past five years have I regretted that choice.”

The Meaning Behind ‘Connections of Hope’

Choosing a name for her practice wasn’t simple. Amanda spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and checking names online, searching for one that truly reflected her mission. Ultimately, she was drawn to Connections of Hope, a name that captures both her philosophy and purpose.

“In today’s world, we’re more ‘connected’ than ever through social media, but so often feel deeply disconnected in our day-to-day lives,” she explains. “This disconnection takes a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. That’s why ‘Connections of Hope’ felt like the perfect fit for our mission.”

Every day, Amanda and her team strive to help people rediscover reasons to get up in the morning, even on the hardest days, and to find genuine connections that bring renewed purpose. Her practice isn’t just about therapy sessions; it’s about restoring a sense of belonging and hope in a world that often forgets both.

Breaking the Stigma, One Conversation at a Time

Among the many challenges Amanda has faced as a leader in mental health, the greatest has been confronting stigma. Although public attitudes toward therapy have evolved over the years, she notes that many still hesitate to seek help out of fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

“As the owner of Connections of Hope, it’s incredibly important to me to support everyone who reaches out for help,” Amanda says. “Our team is committed to normalizing the process of seeking therapy and ensuring that every individual we work with feels seen, heard, and supported, no matter what brings them to our door.”

Through her compassionate leadership, she has cultivated a culture where vulnerability is treated as strength, and seeking help is recognized as an act of courage. Amanda’s work reminds people that therapy isn’t a last resort; it’s a pathway toward rediscovering themselves.

Balancing Healing and Humanity

For Amanda, leading a mental health organization doesn’t stop at guiding others; it also means caring for herself. “Maintaining a healthy work/life balance isn’t easy for anyone in this field,” she admits. “But it’s essential to showing up as the resource our clients need every day.”

Her approach to self-care is both grounded and sincere. As an introvert, she finds peace in quiet evenings at home with her children and dogs, using that time to recharge. “I’ve realized the importance of getting enough sleep and spending quality time with my kids,” she shares. “When my personal life is in order and I’m well-rested, I can truly set aside those concerns and be fully present for my clients.”

Through her example, Amanda shows that self-awareness and balance aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities for those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Changing the Conversation Around Mental Health

Over her two decades in the field, Amanda has witnessed a remarkable transformation in how society views mental wellness. What was once whispered about in private spaces is now entering open conversations, something she finds deeply encouraging.

“It’s so positive to see these discussions happening much more frequently than they did twenty years ago,” she reflects. “We’re beginning to normalize the reality of people struggling with their mental health, and we’re creating safe spaces for individuals to seek support during difficult moments.”

Her empathy extends beyond professional insight, as it’s rooted in a human understanding of suffering and resilience. Amanda often imagines how different our world might look if emotional pain were as visible as physical wounds. “If you saw someone on the street with an injured arm, you wouldn’t just walk by without offering help,” she explains; “now imagine if we could see the pain someone feels after being betrayed, or losing a job, or being told they aren’t good enough. I believe our world would be much kinder and more compassionate.”

That thought defines her mission at Connections of Hope: to make therapy as normal, and as essential, as going to the doctor or dentist. To Amanda, those who seek help are not weak. “It takes real courage to be vulnerable and invite someone to listen while you share your deepest fears,” she says with conviction; “the people who come to therapy are some of the strongest individuals I’ve ever met.”

A Vision of Expansion and Accessibility

From a single private practice to a growing network of clinics, Amanda’s vision for Connections of Hope has always been one of reach and inclusion. While many counseling agencies serve their communities well, her dream was to take that service statewide and eventually nationwide.

“Since starting my own practice, I’ve worked diligently to expand Connections of Hope beyond my hometown, opening offices across Indiana,” she explains. “This growth brings us closer to the goal of reaching every person who may urgently need support but doesn’t know where to find it.”

With five offices already established, Amanda and her team are working toward expansion into new cities—and ultimately, other states. For her, it’s about accessibility, about ensuring that no one feels isolated simply because of where they live.

Her goal extends beyond logistics; it’s a mission rooted in empathy and action. “Every community deserves access to quality mental health care,” she says. “Our work is about breaking barriers, not just physical ones, but emotional and cultural ones as well.”

Innovation Through Education and Collaboration

Amanda’s leadership philosophy thrives on innovation, education, and teamwork. She has built a culture where clinicians are encouraged to continuously learn, evolve, and share knowledge for the benefit of their clients and colleagues alike.

“At Connections of Hope, we believe healing and growth are possible when we empower clients through evidence-based approaches tailored to their unique needs,” Amanda explains. “Through initiatives like ‘lunch and learns,’ weekly staff meetings, and ongoing professional development, we foster a spirit of lifelong learning and collaboration.”

This approach has not only enhanced the effectiveness of care within her organization but also created a ripple effect across communities. By connecting with other professionals and organizations, Amanda ensures that her team is always evolving—equipped to meet the ever-changing needs of modern society.

Her passion for learning mirrors the same curiosity that led her to change her career path years ago. To Amanda, growth is both a personal and professional pursuit—a shared journey between therapist and client, leader and team, individual and community.

Leading With Compassion and Purpose

Leadership, for Amanda, isn’t about authority, it’s about authenticity. “From the beginning, I’ve been clear that Connections of Hope is grounded in honesty, compassion, and respect,” she shares.

Her leadership style is quietly powerful, rooted in empathy and the belief that every person, whether client or staff member, deserves to be valued. As a female entrepreneur, Amanda also recognizes her platform as an opportunity to inspire others.

“As a woman business owner, my hope is to consistently empower other women to pursue their personal goals, no matter how challenging they may seem,” she says. “There are so many women out there considering returning to school, applying for that promotion, or starting their own business, but they just need the courage to try.”

Amanda models that courage through her own example, balancing the demands of leadership, motherhood, and self-care. Her journey shows that success in business doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity; it can be built on it.

Empowering Women to Lead With Grace and Grit

Amanda’s journey hasn’t just been about helping others heal, it’s also about inspiring women to recognize their own strength. Having built Connections of Hope from the ground up while raising her children as a single mother, she understands that success doesn’t come from perfection, but from perseverance.

“If I were to encourage other women seeking to make an impact in the world, I would start by highlighting the importance of self-care,” she says. “Neglecting our own needs leads to emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical challenges, and ultimately to burnout and disappointment.”

For Amanda, self-care isn’t a buzzword; it’s a foundation for resilience. She believes that women can only lead effectively when they first nurture their own well-being. Equally essential, she adds, is community. “Build and maintain a strong support network,” she advises. “Lifting each other up, offering encouragement, and being each other’s champions is crucial. Surrounding yourself with women who understand the unique challenges of entrepreneurship keeps you grounded and motivated, especially during tough times.”

Amanda’s honesty about her own struggles makes her message even more powerful. “In my five-year journey, I’ve faced plenty of difficult days that have brought me to tears,” she admits. “But challenges are temporary, as are the emotions that come with them; feelings of despair or disappointment will pass, allowing for a fresh perspective with each new obstacle.”

Her philosophy is simple yet profound: extend yourself grace, embrace imperfections, and never give up.

A Vision That Extends Beyond State Lines

When Amanda looks to the future, her goals are bold, yet deeply rooted in purpose. Her dream is to see Connections of Hope expand across the United States, reaching those who need care most. “Recent statistics reveal that about 60 million adults are living with mental illness and in need of support,” she notes. “That number doesn’t even account for children and adolescents.”

To her, this is more than a statistic; it’s a call to action. “By growing Connections of Hope as a private practice, we can positively impact all levels of society, from supporting individuals to effecting change on a national scale,” Amanda explains. She envisions a world where therapy is not a privilege, but a norm, a vital part of living well.

“Expanding our reach also helps reduce the stigma around seeking mental health services,” she says. “My hope is that one day, it will be just as normal to see a therapist as it is to visit a doctor or dentist.”

Through her leadership, Connections of Hope aims to strengthen families, improve workplaces, and build communities where empathy and understanding replace shame and silence. Amanda dreams of a future marked by less violence, fewer addictions, and more emotional intelligence, a society where compassion is second nature.

A Legacy of Connection and Courage

For Amanda, legacy isn’t about recognition, it’s about impact. “The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of helping others heal by building a community that truly matters,” she says softly. “I aspire for Connections of Hope to be remembered for its honesty, compassion, and purpose, and for nurturing individuals who emerge stronger, wiser, and more confident.”

Her vision is not just professional, it’s deeply personal. As a single mother, she has faced moments of exhaustion and uncertainty, yet she’s never lost sight of what truly matters. “I want my children to remember me for my strength and perseverance,” she says. “I want them to know that, no matter what life brought my way, I always showed up for them.”

Amanda’s story reflects that strength in every chapter, from changing her career path to building a thriving practice, expanding statewide, and empowering others along the way. Her courage, faith, and determination stand as proof that even in the most demanding seasons of life, grace and hope can coexist.

Ultimately, she hopes her children, and the countless lives touched by Connections of Hope, understand one timeless truth:
“True strength isn’t about always having it all together, it’s about never giving up on yourself or those who mean the most to you.”

Conclusion: The Heart Behind the Healing

Amanda’s journey is a testament to what happens when empathy meets purpose. She didn’t just build a practice, she built a movement. Through Connections of Hope, she has redefined how people view mental health, showing that healing begins with connection, and connection begins with courage.

Her life’s work continues to touch countless lives across Indiana, inspiring both clients and clinicians to lead with heart, honesty, and hope. Whether she’s counseling a client, mentoring her team, or simply spending a quiet evening with her children, Amanda embodies what it means to live with compassion, and to help others rediscover it in themselves.