“I came in at the company at a tech level and moved up to where I am now, a clinical director of Children’s Residential Services,” Dr. Amanda King shared. Since joining Lakeview Center in November 2016, Dr. King has steadily advanced, building both her professional expertise and leadership skills.

After beginning her career here as a behavioral tech in the Adult Independent Living Program, she advanced to Case Manager in the Housing First program. Later, she served as clinical manager of Adult Residential Programs and then as team leader and licensed counselor for the LEAP Team. Along the way, she also achieved a significant personal milestone, earning her Doctorate of Social Work and graduating in May 2023.

Today, Dr. King serves as the Clinical Director of Meridian, a residential inpatient program for adolescents ages 7 to 17, as well as Cabot Heights and Arcadia Place, group homes that support foster youth with specialized behavioral health needs.

In this role, she supervises therapists, ensures clinical programming is effectively implemented and helps meet the mental health needs of some of the community’s most vulnerable children.

Her commitment to helping others stems from an early realization that social work could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. “I always knew that I wanted to do something that helped others,” she said.

While exploring both psychology and social work courses in college, she encountered individuals struggling with mental health challenges and quickly recognized the impact social workers could have. “This could very, very much be helped by a social worker. This could very much be helped by the things I’m learning in class.”

Despite working in an environment that often involves trauma and difficult circumstances, Dr. King remains focused on hope and progress. “I’m a big ‘progress over perfection’ type of person,” she said. “Any progress for me, whether it’s just one step or a jump, is a big deal.”

By focusing on strengths and celebrating growth, she helps both her team and the children they serve move forward, even when challenges arise.

Her advice to those just beginning their careers is simple but powerful: “Always be curious.” By staying curious and remembering the human story behind every case, she believes professionals can build stronger connections and make a greater impact.

Through dedication, continuous learning and a deep commitment to service, Dr. Amanda King’s career from intern to clinical director serves as an inspiring example of how compassion, curiosity and perseverance can shape both a career and the lives of those it touches.

To work with compassionate team members like Dr. King, visit our Careers site.