Amanda Kotanen
Amanda Kotanen is a dedicated Community Facilitator at San Diego Community Living Services, where she supports individuals in achieving greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Known for her compassion, organization, and strong work ethic, Amanda brings both professional skill and personal empathy to her role. As a military spouse and mother, she understands the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community—values that shine through in her approach to helping others thrive.
Her professional journey reflects a steady commitment to service and growth. Prior to joining San Diego Community Living Services, Amanda worked in customer service and senior living environments, gaining valuable experience in communication, administration, and care coordination. She has also developed expertise in project management and organizational leadership, holding a Certified Project Management Associate credential from the Management & Strategy Institute. Amanda graduated in August of 2025 with her Bachelor of Science in Corrections at the University of Phoenix, where she is a member of the National Honor Society for Collegiate Scholars and Zeta Mu Phi. Amanda is to start pursing a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University in November of 2025.
Outside of her career, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new opportunities for personal and professional development. She approaches every challenge with dedication, positivity, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others.
• Correctional Program Support Services
• Certified Project Management Associate
• Six Sigman White Belt
• The Manager's Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People at Work
• County of San Diego Food Handler Training
• Southern New Hampshire University- M.S.
• University of Phoenix- B.S.
• National Honor Society of Scholars
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and determination, and to making a difference every day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be a leader, give back to others, and help the underprivileged.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering my industry—don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field right now is being able to help more people and getting the word out that I’m here to help!
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being detail-oriented and organized helps me stay focused and give my best in everything I do.