During Women's History Month, we want to celebrate a few of our amazing staff members who are actively creating our history every day!

Women’s History Month (WHM) was first celebrated on a national level in 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987, Congress designated the month of March as Women’s History Month and it has been continued through presidential proclamations ever since. Learn more at womenshistorymonth.gov.

Meet Amanda!

Amanda Oliver is the Family Support Advocate for West Plains ECEAP in classroom A. She joined YWCA Spokane in January 2023 and just celebrated her two year anniversary!

In her role, supporting parents, caregivers, and the entire family, Amanda helps create an environment that sets children up for success in kindergarten and beyond.

What first drew you to YWCA Spokane?

When my youngest daughter started kindergarten a few years ago, I started to wonder what's next for me. I had been fortunate enough to be able to stay home with my three girls during the pandemic and then spend time volunteering and working at their school, but I found myself wanting more. I started to look for work that would allow me to use my education and experience to serve my community and found the YWCA. I was drawn to the mission of empowerment and equity for women and children and am so proud to be part of that every day.

What do you wish more people knew about YWCA Spokane?

I wish more people knew about the work the YWCA Spokane is doing to educate young people about teen dating violence. As a parent of teens, this is work that I am so appreciative of.

What is your favorite part of your role?

I love working with children and families! One of my favorite things about my role as a Family Support Advocate is that I am there to support parents and caregivers and help them build their own skills and capacity. I get to work with parents to help them feel empowered to better support the learning and development of their children. It is work that is meaningful and impactful and speaks to my heart.

How does your work live out our values of equity, empowerment, collaboration, and innovation?

The work I do is about connection - I meet parents where they are in the moment and work beside them to build a bridge and connect them to where they want to be. I respect the journey each family is on and feel honored when they trust me and allow me to be part of their story. That work would not be possible without our core values of equity, empowerment, collaboration, and innovation.

What are 3 words to describe YWCA Spokane?

Community, collaboration, & compassion

What is something you learned in the last week?

This morning I was reading a newsletter and learned that robins form large winter flocks to help them persevere through the winter months when they are more susceptible to predators and food is scarce. I really like this image of a flock of birds as a representation of community. It was also a good reminder of the importance of leaning on each other when things are challenging.

Describe your favorite meal.

My mom’s homemade lasagna, garlic bread, and Caesar salad. This was my absolute favorite meal as a kid and it always makes me feel cozy & loved.

If you were a cookie, what type would you be?

White chocolate chip & macadamia nut - a unique take on a classic.

Name a show or movie you recently watched and loved.

I just started re-watching Gilmore Girls, which I love and find really comforting. I like to have it on in the background when I am doing things around the house or working on a crochet project. As an added bonus, my daughters like it too, so it is fun to watch together.

If you magically had tomorrow off, what would you do?

If I had tomorrow off I would sleep in, go to a yoga class, have coffee and read a book at my favorite coffee shop, take my dogs for a long walk, have lunch with my best friend, and spend a little extra time loving on my kids and partner.

About YWCA's Free Preschool

Our free preschool program provides education, resources, health and nutrition services, family support, advocacy training, and parent education at three locations within the Spokane area for youth 3 and 4 years old and their families.

Learn More