Amanda Wyatt
- MSW, LCSW
- Lecturer
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IU Fort Wayne
Contact
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(260) 257-6875
- wyatta@iu.edu
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Neff Hall B44B
2021 E Coliseum Blvd
About
Amanda Wyatt is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). She has several years of experience in community mental health, specializing in working with young children impacted by trauma and their families. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and serves on the Fetal and Infant Mortality Review committee in Allen County. Amanda currently services as a Visiting Lecturer for the Fort Wayne campus, and has been teaching adjunct for the IUSSW in Fort Wayne for four years. Areas of interest in teaching include diagnosis, clinical skills, and community mental health, as well as working with children and families. She also works in Field and Recruitment for the BSW and MSW programs in Fort Wayne. She is an MSW ('16) graduate of the IUSSW.
Education
MSW
Emphasis/Major: Masters of Social Work: Mental Health and Addictions Focus Area2016 - IUPUI
BA
Emphasis/Major: English; Concentration Public and Professional Writing2014 - Indiana University Bloomington
Presentations
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Wyatt, A. M., & Murphy, L. (2022). "Childhood Trauma". Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children , Fort Wayne, IN United States.
Invited to develop and present on Childhood Trauma for day care workers, early childhood education professionals, and other community partners affiliated with the Indiana Association for the Education Of Young Children. Presented on the neurological impact of trauma on development and how to implement trauma-informed behavior managemet in early childhood educaiton settings.
Objectives:
1) Review traditional vs. trauma-informed approaches to viewing children and their behaviors
2) Learn about what makes childhood trauma unique
3) Learn how childhood trauma impacts neurodevelopment
4) Learn how to implement Trauma-Informed practices in interactions with children
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Wyatt, A. M., & Wise, K. (2022). "Trauma: Beyond an Event” AND “Childhood Trauma". Indiana Victim Assistance Academy, Indianapolis, IN United States.
Was invited by former IUSSW Faculty Kris Wise to collaborate and develop and present 2 trainings as a part of the Indiana Victim Assistnace Academy’s Advanced Trauma Training. Co-Developed and presented "Trauma: Beyond an Event" and Developed and Presented "Early Childhood Trauma" to advocacy workers, shelter/crisis workers, law enforcement workers, mental health workers, and other professionals that work in areas related to victim assistance and/or advocacy.
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Wyatt, A. M., & Clements, T. (2022). "Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Strategies for Early Childhood". The Lutheran Foundation , Fort Wayne, IN United States.
Invited to present a training on how to implement trauma-informed care in early childhood classrooms for Directors Meeting at The Lutheran Foundation. Explored traditional vs. trauma-informced behavior management strategies and provided educaiton on the impact of trauma on the developing brain.
Objectives:
1) Learn how to define trauma and how it impacts neurodevelopment
2) Learn what it means to be Trauma Informed
3) Learn how to implement Trauma Informed Practices
4) Learn how to effectively respond and intervene with individuals who have trauma backgrounds.
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Wyatt, A. M. (2022). Introduction to Play Therapy. Parkview/Park Center PBHI, Fort Wayne, IN United States.
Was invited to present on using the evidence-based practice of Child-Centered Play Therapy to Park Center’s Doctoral Interns. Explored theory, practice skills, parent engagement, and research base of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
Learning Objectives:
1.Learn the core principles of Child Centered Play Therapy
2.Be able to explain the benefits and structure of CCPT to parents and children
3.Learn core practice skills of CCPT
4.Review other specialized play therapy approaches
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Wyatt, A. M. (2022). "Play Therapy and Early Childhood Trauma". Indiana University School of Social Work Career Services , Fort Wayne, IN United States.
Invited to develop and present training on core principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy and how they can be effectively applied with young children that have experienced trauma. Explored the developmental and neurological impacts of trauma on the brain, and reviewed core components of trauma-informed care with young children.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn core principles of Child-Centered Play Therapy
2. Identify how early childhood trauma uniquely impacts development
3. Identify stages and core skills of Child-Centered Play and how they can be applied to trauma treatment
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, . (2020). Neurodevelopment and sensory disorders in Early Childhood Mental Health.
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, . (2018). TRAUMA AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT: UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONSDIUNG TO THE IMPACT OF TRAUMA.
Clinical Services
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Therapist
2022 - Park Center- Three WishesProvide therapy services to young children and families from vulnerable and under-represented popualtoins. Utilize Play Therapy (as a Registered Play Therapist) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (as a certified practitioner) as well as family therapy and care coordiation strategies to take a systems approach to helping and empowering children and their families.
Institutional Services
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Committee Member
2022 - Field Instructor Professional Development CommitteePriority Items:
· Expand the social work practicum, and opportunities in non-traditional areas
· Create tools to market field education for the recruitment of agencies and field instructor
Action Items:
· Develop a process to communicate our practicum partnership work and share these new or expanded opportunities
· Thinking outside the box and looking for practicum opportunities that haven’t already been identified
· Develop Field Instructor and Site recruitment tools
· Connect with Devina/Karen to recruit sites and field instructors from Social Work Alumni Network
· Utilize Linked In/social media as Field Coordinators to expand networks and connect with potential field instructors -
Faculty Governance
2022 - Executive Committee- IU Fort Wayne Faculty Council (Secretary)Section D. Secretary
The Secretary of the IUFW Faculty shall:
1. be the liaison with the administrative support staff to circulate the next Council meeting agenda and documents at least two days in advance of the meeting to all members of the Faculty Council and to such other persons as the Executive Committee may designate. Members of the Council shall be notified of the time, place, and agenda of any special meeting at least six days in advance of the meeting;
2. circulate notices of meetings and agendas;
3. record the attendance of Councilmembers, guests, and visitors at the meetings;
4. be responsible for the minutes of all convocations and assemblies of the faculty as well as the regular and special meetings of the Faculty Council, and:
5. maintain Council committee records and reports -
Task Force Member
2022 - Social Work and Labor Studies Integration Task ForceParticipated in Social Work/Labor Students Integration Task Force to explore ways by which the Social Work and Labor Studies classes might be integrated for graduate and/or undergraduate students. -
Task Force Member
2022 - Optimal Field Site Workgroup (Field Instructor Professional Development Subcommittee)Tasked to Revise the New Agency Development/Criteria Checklist for the selection and verification of appropriate practicum sites for BSW and MSW student and Optimal Field Site Criteria. -
Committee Member
2021 - BSW Curriculum CommitteeAttended all BSW Committee meetings as able, reviewed assignments, textbooks, and course content for all BSW courses and discuss potential changes and pilots of new course materials for future development and implementation. -
Committee Member
2022 - BSW Field Coordinator CommitteePriority Items:
1. The field team produces a consistent product and speaks the same language on all campuses and programs.
2. Collaborate with program directors, faculty, and academic advisors to enhance and support student readiness before and during field; as well as examine and implement practices for improvement
Action Items:
1. Support the development of a BSW Field Readiness course
2. Maintain 481/482 Master Course
3. Review and update policies and procedures for BSW Field
4. Maintain collaboration and problem solving amongst BSW Field to identify support for student readiness -
Committee Member
2022 - MSW Curriculum CommitteeAttended all MSW Committee meetings and particpiated in discussion/votes on updating and maintaining quality assignments, readings, and other coursework for all MSW courses. -
Committee Member
2021 - System-Wide Field CommitteePriority Items
1. Ensure field is represented at all curriculum committee meetings (BSW, MSW, and each Focus Area) and has a voice regarding how decisions impact field education.
2. Collaborate with program directors, faculty, and academic advisors to enhance and support student readiness before and during field; as well as examine and implement practices for improvement.
3. Offer a consistent product and speak the same language between campuses and programs.
4. Utilize Sonia to its fullest extent.
5. Utilize centralized administrative support for the field team.
6. Expand social work practicum opportunities in non-traditional areas.
7. Create tools to market field education for the recruitment of sites and field instructors.
8. Recognition of practicum partners. -
Organizer/Coordinator
2022 - Student Engagement- IUSSW Spotlight ProjectCreated "IUSSW Spotlight" nomination process for faculty, staff, and students to nominate students who show excellence and passion in the field of social work. Collected nominations and faclitiated the first display of winners outside the social work office, providing "swag" to winners and sharing the recipients with the campus community.
In 2023, continued to develop this initiative to recognize students and connect them to their peers in order to acknowledge the excellent work being done by BSW and MSW students on the Fort Wayne campus. -
Committee Member
2022 - Field Coordinator Training Development Committee
Priority Items:
1. The field team produces a consistent product and speaks the same language on all campuses and programs.
2. The field team uses Sonia to its fullest extent.
Action Items:
1. Develop and maintain Field Coordinator Training
2. Maintain and enhance Field Coordinator Sonia Training -
Committee Member
2022 - MSW Field Committee- Nepotism Concerns Task GroupTemporary work group created in December 2022 and conclucded in March 2023. Target to address concerns regarding nepotism in Field Placements, and resulted in langauge being added to field practicum application forms in Sonia and to the BSW and MSW Field Handbooks to address these issues. -
Committee Member
2022 - MSW Field Coordinator Committee
Priority Items:
1. The field team produces a consistent product and speaks the same language on all campuses and programs.
2. Collaborate with program directors, faculty, and academic advisors to enhance and support student readiness before and during field; as well as examine and implement practices for improvement
Action Items:
1. Create and update a 555 Master Course
2. Develop and maintain a 651/652 Master Course
3. Review and update policies and procedures for MSW Field
4. Create a process for collaboration and problem solving amongst MSW Field
5. Develop MSW process to share information regarding students who are struggling in pre-requisite courses and/or struggling in field and determine what we do with this information as a method to support student readiness -
Committee Member
2022 - Faculty SenateAttended and participated in all faculty senate meetings, participated in dicussion and voting when issues arose. -
Other
2022 - Field Placement and Site DevelopmentResponsible for placing BSW and MSW students in Field Placements and developing agencies for field placements. -
Committee Member
2022 - IUSSW Social Work Advisory BoardAttend all IUSSW Fort Wayne Social Work Advisory Board meetings, present information about student engagement, field development, recruitment, and other information to advisory board memebers as needed. -
Committee Member
2022 - IUSSW Fort Wayne Diversity and Equity ScholarshipReviewed applicants and made recommendation for recipients of IUSSW Fort Wayne Diversity and Equity Scholarship Awards. -
Committee Member
2022 - Search Committee for IUB Visiting LecturerParticipated in search committee to fill IU Bloomington Visiting Lecturer positon. -
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
2022 - Mentoring Adjunct FacultyMentored adjunct faculty when teaching 518 course over the summer. Provided support for Adjunct who was new to teaching and assisted in course setup, delivery, and facilitation throughout the semester. -
Committee Member
2022 - BSW Student Awards CommitteeReviewed BSW Student Award nominees for 2022, met with committee, and made recommendations for award recipients. -
Other
2022 - Recruitment- Events, Information Sessions and Personalized Reach-OutsAs a part of recruitment responsibilities, I held biweekly information sessions for both the MSW and BSW program and met 1:1 with students in person and virtually.
Also held information sessions with area agencies and partners and attended recruitment events on behalf of the school.
Recruitment responsiblites were expanded in 2023 as IU Fort Wayne shifted to annual admission for the MSW program. Recruited heavily for Advanced-Standing only cohort (totalled 9 admitted students) and Regular Standing Cohort (25 students) as well as ongoing BSW and pre-social work recruitment and events. -
Committee Chair
2023 - BSW Field Coordinator Subcommitte: BSW Field ReadinessAppointed chair of BSW Field Coordinators Field Readiness Subcommittee.
Priority Items:
· The field team produces a consistent product and speaks the same language on all campuses and programs.
· Collaborate with program directors, faculty, and academic advisors to enhance and support student readiness before and during field; as well as examine and implement practices for improvement
Action Items:
· Support the development of a BSW Field Readiness course
· Maintain 481/482 Master Course
· Review and update policies and procedures for BSW Field
· Maintain collaboration and problem solving amongst BSW Field to identify support for student readiness -
Committee Member
2023 - BSW Field Coordinators: Orientation SubcommitteePriority Items:
· The field team produces a consistent product and speaks the same language on all campuses and programs.
· Collaborate with program directors, faculty, and academic advisors to enhance and support student readiness before and during field; as well as examine and implement practices for improvement
Action Items:
· Support the development of a BSW Field Readiness course
· Maintain 481/482 Master Course
· Review and update policies and procedures for BSW Field
· Maintain collaboration and problem solving amongst BSW Field to identify support for student readiness -
Organizer/Coordinator
2023 - Coffee with the CoordinatorAdapted "Coffee with the Coordinator" format used on other campuses to meet the needs of Field and Task Instructors for Fort Wayne MSW and BSW students.
Held monthly Coffee with the Coordinator Zoom meeting for Field and task instructors to review school guildelines, practicum and course information, and troubleshoot issues as needed. -
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
2023 - Mentored and Supported Field Liaisons for 651/652 CourseWorked with three field liaisons (one full time faculty and two adjunct) serviing as liaisions for the first time to 651/652 field group.
Assisted with onboarding processes, orientation to field, Sonia training, Canvas training and course development, and met in person several times in fall and spring semesters to provide support, troubleshoot issues, and guide through field process.
Sent monthly emails with reminders, deadlines, and helpful tips and was available as needed throughout the year to answer questions, discuss student issues, and work through performance and site concerns. -
Other
2023 - Salesforce Launch- IUSSW at Fort WayneVolunteered to spearhead the adaptation of new Salesforce database on Fort Wayne Campus. Completed training, answered questions and provided information for coworkers, and brought questions and concerns to statewide Recruitment staff in order to ensure a smooth roll-out of new Database for recruitment in Fort Wayne. -
Committee Member
2022 - MSW Field Coordinators: Field Readiness SubcommitteeAppointment to MSW Field Coordinators Field Readiness Subcommittee in order to structure and adopt a formal process of ensuring that MSW students are adequately prepared for field.
Synthesized information from campuses across the state to identify best practices and integrated role on BSW Field Readiness Committee to ensure consistent information and processes. -
Organizer/Coordinator
2023 - BSW and MSW Field Kickoff EventsHeld BSW Field Kick-Off Event (November 14th) in person (13 students) and online (November 16th) (3 students)or orient all students to field placement process, provide next steps, and answer questions.
Held MSW 651/652 Field Kick-Off Event (November 27th) for 9 students to orient them to field placement process, provide next steps, and answer any questions. -
Other
Behavioral Health Academy Fort Wayne Field Kickoff EventAttended 2023-20244 Behavioral Health Academy Kickoff Event at Parkview Hospital as Representative for IU School of Social Work. Co-led event with Caroline Braun that focused on reminding students of practicum requirements, the specific structure of the BHA, and introduced them to key players at Parkview.
Licensure
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LCSW
Indiana Professional Licensing Association -
Registered Play Therapist
Association for Play Therapy
Memberships
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Council on Social Work Education
2021 to Present -
Assocation for Play Therapy: United States
2021 to Present -
Indiana Assocaiton for Play Therapy
2021 to Present -
National Association of Social Workers
2018 to Present
Professional Services
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Board of Advisors
2022 to Present - Indiana Association for Play Therapy -
Committee Member
2022 to Present - Fetal Infant Mortality Review multidisciplinary team
Public Services
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Board Member
2022 to 2022 - Indiana Association for Play TherapyServe on the Indiand Assocation for Play Therapy Board. Plan trainings and annual conference, run social media, manage newletter and email campaigns, and provide education about play therapy to the community in formal and informal capacities.
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Member
2022 to 2022 - Allen County Fetal and Infant Mortality ReviewReview cases of fetal demise from regional hospital systems in order to determine if deaths were preventable. Provide mental health expertise to the group as we review cases that involve mental health diagnosis, trauma, substance use, lack of resources, and diversity/equity issues and issues with access to needed services. Make recommendations to improve the systems that are involved to prevent future preventatble infant loss.
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Board Member
2022 to 2023 - Indiana Association for Play TherapyServe on the Indiand Assocation for Play Therapy Board. Plan trainings and annual conference, run social media, manage newletter and email campaigns, and provide education about play therapy to the community in formal and informal capacities.
Mission is to make play therapy more accessible to both clinicans and families that lack resources and are marginalizes/underrepresented in the space. -
Member
2022 to 2023 - Allen County Fetal and Infant Mortality ReviewReview cases of fetal demise from regional hospital systems in order to determine if deaths were preventable. Provide mental health expertise to the group as we review cases that involve mental health diagnosis, trauma, substance use, lack of resources, and diversity/equity issues and issues with access to needed services. Make recommendations to improve the systems that are involved to prevent future preventatble infant loss.
Trainings
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Registered Play Therapist
2021 to Present - -
Certified Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
2020 to Present -